BRITISH SPEEDWAY MAJOR EVENTS REVAMP
By Nigel Pearson BSPA ~ Sunday 28th January 2007
British Speedway bosses are set to revamp their major events – and all will be revealed in London on Thursday. The sport will be represented at the MCN London Motorcycle Show at Excel when riders and management alike will make appearances.

King’s Lynn co-boss Jonathan Chapman, who has been working closely on the big meetings, said: “No fan in the country will want to miss major events this year, it’s very exciting.”

*THE MCN London Motorcycle Show is taking place at ExCel London from February 1-4.

As well as stands from the big bike manaufacterers, including the launch of the new 2007 Ducati range, there are plenty other events happening throughout the weekend including five shows a day in the excellent Live action arena.

As in 2006 the British Speedway stand will be present with representation from Arena Essex, Reading and Swindon confirmed, with rider appearances details to follow.

Tickets can be obtained by ringing 0870 7300049 or by visiting www.londonmotorcycleshow.com

Ticket prices are as follows:
Advance ticket prices:  Adult: £13 (£16 on the door) ~ Child 11 -15: £6 ~ Over 60s: £6
 

WILDCATS LOOK SMART FOR 2007
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Saturday 27th January 2007
Weymouth Wildcats supporters were last night introduced to the complete 2007 line-up at a fans forum held at the Kingswood Hotel, Weymouth. Along with the previously announced quartet of Wildcats team captain David Mason, George Piper, Terry Day and Nathan Irwin, club Chairman Phil Bartlett completed the signing of the 2006 Newport captain Karl Mason, team mate Sam Hurst and ex-Wildcat Lee Smart. Karl Mason and Sam Hurst both rode for Welsh Conference League side Newport in 2006 and Lee Smart joins from South coast rivals, the Plymouth Devils.

No stranger to the Wessex Stadium, Lee rode for the Wildcats in 2005 before being forced to move to Mildenhall after Weymouth’s change of race night which clashed with his Premier League commitments at Somerset. An accomplished grasstrack rider, he was instrumental in Plymouths climb to the top of the Conference League table in 2006 and was in the top 10 of the Conference League averages. Although only eighteen years old, Swindon based Lee has been riding since the age of 6 and is one of the most entertaining riders in the Conference League. His previous achievements include clinching a 3rd place in the 2006 Conference League Riders Championship, his previous clubs include Swindon, Stoke and Mildenhall.

After four years with Newport, twenty year old Karl Mason decided to find pastures new and joins the Wildcats at number 5. Karl who captained the Mavericks was the teams top point scorer in 2006 and comes in on a Grade 7. He kicked-off his speedway career as mascot for Coventry in 1988, in 2001 he made his Conference League debut for Buxton and also lined up for Mildenhall and Somerset that season. Karl has ridden continuously for Newport since 2001 and has made several appearances for the Newport Premier League side.

Sam Hurst is another familiar face at the Wessex Stadium where he attended many training schools under the watchful eye of Wildcats training instructor Steve Piper. His first competitive outings were in Weymouth’s second halves and Sam has consistently scored well on the track he enjoys riding. Hailing from Winchester, seventeen year old Sam, an apprentice welder was the Conference League’s highest bonus point’s scorer in 2005 and is looking forward to a successful season at Weymouth.

Phil Bartlett said “The season is rapidly approaching and we are thrilled and excited with the team that we have secured. This season’s league looks to be a corker with very little between most of the teams, there will be some fantastic competitive racing and we are itching to get our campaign underway. There has been an awful lot of hard work going on behind the scenes, from building the team to rebuilding the circuit! Now we have just got to get out on the track and make it a year to remember”.

Long time sponsor Bedroom Ideas has laid down the speed challenge to the 2007 Wildcats by laying £100 on the table for the first Wildcat who can beat Ben Barkers current track record set last August.

George Piper was the only Wildcat missing due to unforeseen circumstances where a healthy crowd turned out at the Kingswood Hotel to meet, greet and mingle with riders and sponsors alike.

The team riding order is:-

David Mason Grade 11
Nathan Irwin Grade 6
Lee Smart Grade 8
Sam Hurst Grade 3
Karl Mason Grade 7
George Piper Grade 2
Terry Day Grade 2
 

WEYMOUTH WILDCATS FANS FORUM
Thursday 25th January 2007
Weymouth Wildcats will be holding a fans forum this coming Friday the 26th of January at the Kingswood Hotel where the team for 2007 will be revealed. The forum starts at 7.30pm and there will be the opportunity to purchase season tickets, items from the track shop and the chance to meet some of the 2007 team members.
 

IRWIN'S WILDCATS RETURN
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd – Press Release ~ Tuesday 23rd January 2007
Weymouth Wildcats kick-off their 2007 Conference League campaign in less than three months and have further bolstered the team by securing the services of ex-Wildcat reserve - Nathan Irwin. Twenty three year old Nathan was in the original line-up when the Wildcats returned to the track after a 20 year absence in 2003. He began 2004 with the Wildcats before finishing the season with the Swindon Sprockets where he was awarded Rider of the Year. In 2005 he joined Conference League side, the Boston Barracudas, where he suffered an injury ravaged first season but returned the following year to show huge improvement taking the David Nix Memorial at King’s Lynn and a very creditable 3rd place at the prestigious Lincolnshire Trophy.

Born in Cuckfield, Sussex, Nathan has racing in his genes with his uncle, Nick, having ridden as a junior at Exeter in the 1980s and father, Simon and grandfather, Terry both competed in grasstrack. The qualified computer engineer is also an accomplished grasstrack rider and is looking forward to returning to the Wessex Stadium.

“Nathan has had a fantastic time at Boston but feels he will benefit from the experience of racing on Weymouth’s tight circuit” says father, Simon Irwin. “Nathan is profoundly deaf, though far from being disadvantaged by his lack of hearing he seems to compensate visually.” Simon added, “He has superb reaction skills, often to the detriment of his points scoring, referees have been known to penalise him for his quick reactions at the tapes!”

Phil Bartlett Wildcats Chairman said “Nathan was very popular with the supporters when he previously rode for us and is a talented and versatile rider. I have high hopes for 2007 and the team is really coming together, it’s not long until tapes up for our first meeting of the season against the USA Dream Team on Friday the 6th of April. There is still a lot of work to be done at the track although things are now starting to take shape. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have volunteered their time over the last few months reconstructing the track and surrounding areas. They are an integral part of the club for which myself and my fellow directors are immensely grateful”.

Weymouth Wildcats will be holding a fans forum this coming Friday the 26th of January at the Kingswood Hotel where the team for 2007 will be revealed. The forum starts at 7.30pm and there will be the opportunity to purchase season tickets, items from the track shop and the chance to meet some of the 2007 team members.
 

IRWIN IN WILDCATS RETURN
BSPA - Monday 22nd January 2007
WEYMOUTH have taken Nathan Irwin back to the Wessex Stadium. Irwin was a member of the Wildcats side in their first season back on track after a 20-year absence in 2003 and has since raced for Boston. Wildcats Chairman Phil Bartlett said “Nathan was very popular with the supporters when he previously rode for us and is a talented and versatile rider. We’re delighted to have him back on board.”
 

MASON CONFIDENT FOR 2007
Weymouth Wildcats Ltd, Press Release - Tuesday 16th January 2007
David Mason is confident that the Wildcats can add to the contents of their trophy cabinet this season after signing his contract for 2007. He was in Weymouth visiting potential sponsors with Influx Marketing’s Paul Oughton this week and has high hopes for this season. David who hails from Eastbourne said “This year’s team is starting to take shape and looks to be an exciting prospect. It hasn’t been an easy task for Phil to try and build a competitive team as there seems to be plenty of reserve and top end riders but not much available in between”. He added “Although Plymouth and Scunthorpe seem to be the names on everybody’s lips for the League this season, with Scunthorpe having several team members doubling up it is by no means a two horse race and I believe we are in with a shout of getting our hands on some silverware”.

Whilst on his visit to Weymouth, David dropped into the Wessex Stadium and cast his expert eye over the improvements being made at the track. “Weymouth’s track has been a topic of discussion over the last couple of years but the hard work that has gone into it over the winter seems to be paying off already, the drainage his been severely tested over the last couple of days and looks to be doing its job”.

David will be hoping 2007 starts better than 2006 ended. Harley, David’s 2 year old son was rushed into hospital over Christmas with breathing difficulties which then developed into pneumonia. “He has made a full recovery now but it was a very distressing time for all of us, thankfully he is back to his usual self running me ragged!”

Jem Dicken, Wildcats Team Manager is delighted to have David back on board. “He is a mentor to many of the younger riders in the team and Pete, David’s father and mechanic is never far away when it comes to helping out in the pits”. Jem also added “We will be signing more team members over the next couple of weeks and we believe the supporters will be thrilled with the riders that we have secured for 2007”.
 

CATS BACK TERRAS
Weymouth Wildcats Ltd Press Release ~ Thursday 12th January 2007
Weymouth Wildcats Chairman Phil Bartlett has moved to assure fans that the clubs future at the Wessex Stadium is safe despite the current restructuring at Weymouth Football Club. Phil states “I have spoken to Gary Calder the Chief Executive at the club and he has assured me that there is no threat to the speedway and we will be racing at the stadium in 2007.”

Phil added “We, as a club have also had a turbulent year with refusal of our planning application and noise issues and can empathise with the club and its supporters. Weymouth Speedway has received an enormous amount of support from the Football Club and its fans over the last year and its times like these that support from the fans is needed the most. We urge all supporters of the Terra's and the Wildcats to get behind the club in its hour of need and all the staff and management at Weymouth Wildcats Ltd hope for a successful outcome for the Terra’s”.
 

INFLUX TO MARKET WILDCATS
Wednesday 10th January 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats are continuing to build for the 2007 Conference League with the addition of Poundbury-based speedway promotion and marketing company Influx Marketing. Commercial director Robin Spicer said: “We are delighted to have Influx Marketing on board. They have a proven track record in speedway circles. Influx has seen an increase in sponsorship at every track that has engaged their services and have a forward thinking and innovative marketing team.”

Influx work with speedway teams in Somerset, Swindon and Exeter and Spicer believes their specialist knowledge can help promote the Wildcats. Influx’s Paul Oughton added: “Weymouth is a popular holiday destination and offers a great deal of potential with the speedway season running in conjunction the holiday season. We, as a company, have considerable local links to the tourist market and will be hoping to promote Weymouth Speedway as one of the major tourist attractions in the town.”

Weymouth Speedway has put together sponsorship deals that suit all business advertising budgets, from small and local to larger companies. If you are interested in sponsoring the Wildcats for the 2007 season telephone Paul Oughton on 01305 755607 or mobile 07917117007.
 

DOONAN GIVES WILDCATS NEW YEAR BOOST
Wednesday 3rd January 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats have secured their main team sponsor for 2007. Harold Doonan (Building Materials) Ltd sponsored the Wildcats last year and will continue as main team sponsors for the forthcoming season. The team will be known as the Weymouth Doonan Wildcats and are delighted to be maintaining their association with the local building material suppliers.

Chairman Phil Bartlett said: “We are thrilled to have them back on board. Harold Doonan, proprietor of Doonans is a Wildcats’ fan through and through and has already given a great deal to the club not only financially but has provided building materials for the track over the years.”

Harold Doonan, who has been a supporter since the Scorchers era added: “Speedway is a great family sport and I have been a Weymouth speedway fan right from the club’s inception back in 1954. Phil Bartlett and the directors of Weymouth Wildcats Ltd have worked very hard to keep speedway alive in the town and now that full planning permission has been granted the future looks a lot brighter. I am thrilled to be sponsoring the Wildcats for what promises to be an exciting 2007 season. I sponsored the Wildcats last season and was very impressed with the new set-up and although speedway is my passion, I am also a businessman and the sponsorship package I received last season provided value for money and gave fantastic exposure for my company.”

Wildcats’ commercial director Robin Spicer has been working hard behind the scenes in preparation for the 2007 season. “We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new year having Harold Doonan back on board. “Our marketing and commercial team have devised several sponsorship packages for next season suiting all budgets, four of the five directors of Weymouth Wildcats Ltd run their own businesses so we asked ourselves ‘what we would we want from a sponsorship package?’ “With Doonan continuing their financial support of Weymouth Wildcats it seems the hard work is already paying off.”
 

WESSEX FM - MEDIA PARTNERS FOR 2007
By Weymouth Speedway Ltd Thursday 22nd February 2007
With just over six weeks until their opening meeting against the USA Dream Team, Weymouth Wildcats are delighted to announce that local radio station, Wessex FM are to become media partners for the 2007 campaign. Steve Bulley from Wessex FM said “We are delighted to be supporting the Wildcats this season. Speedway is an exciting sport for all the family with a fanbase of both locals and visitors. In our role as media partners we will have regular match previews and reports, rider interviews and will be keeping listeners up-to-date with all of the latest club news and results home and away.”

Robin Spicer, Commercial Director for the Wildcats said “We are thrilled that Wessex FM have come on board for what is shaping up to be a very exciting season. This amalgamation is a major coup for the club as Wessex FM’s coverage area incorporates not only Weymouth, but Dorchester and Bridport and will spearhead our drive to promote Weymouth Speedway to a wider audience.”

Robin added “Since the inception of Weymouth Wildcats Ltd we, as a company, can see the potential of the club has yet to be realised and are determined to develop the club into one of the biggest attractions in the local area. Having the award winning Wessex FM as our media partner is a huge step towards achieving our goal.”

TIM GOMEZ NAMED DREAM TEAM CAPTAIN
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Sunday 18th February 2007
The Weymouth Wildcats much anticipated return to action kicks off with the opening meeting of the USA Dream Team Tour on Friday 6th April.  This will be the Dream Teams’ second visit to the Wessex Stadium.  In 2005 the USA youngsters went down 56-37 to a strong Wildcats side in a meeting full of thrills and spills which saw Lewis Bridger make his debut scoring a paid maximum.

The 2007 team is to be captained by Tim Gomez, a rider who will be making his third Dream Team tour to Britain and who scored an impressive 12 points at Weymouth in 2005.  The newly appointed skipper, who is just 18 years old, admitted “This is way cool.  I am already on a mission to prove myself this year after my injuries from last year and this will make me even more focused.  We have a great team for 2007 and I am proud to be the captain of the team.”

Two riders also returning to the Wessex Stadium are brothers Dale and Neil Faccini who hail from South California.  Dale was awarded Most Improved Rider during last year’s tour and Neil is the 2006 USA/AMA Speedway Under 21 National Champion. One rider that impressed during the 2005 campaign was 20 year old Chris Kerr who has gone on to ride in the Premier League with the Redcar Bears.

Phil Bartlett Wildcats Director added “This is a great opportunity to see the stars of the future from the USA.  These lads will be hoping to follow in the tyre tracks of such greats as Bruce Penhall, Kelly Moran, Sam Ermolenko and Greg Hancock and this is a fantastic opportunity to watch them at the start of their careers”.
 

BUMP START
By Paul Burbidge - Speedway Star ~ Thursday 15th February 2007
Weymouth starlet George Piper hailed the club’s winter track works as a huge reason for his return to the Wessex Stadium. The 15-year-old made his senior debut for the Dorset side in their Conference Shield campaign last term. Having been team mascot since the track opened in 2003, Piper has seen his racing career blossom at Radipole Lane. But the circuit’s ruts and humps have meant his speedway apprenticeship has been littered with hard knocks.

Piper hopes Wildcats’ new raceway will save him a few unwanted visits to the treatment table. He said: “I’m pleased to be back at Weymouth because I had such a good season there last year. I’m really looking forward to trying out the new track and I’m sure it will help me ride that much better. It will be quite difficult for the first few meetings as it has only just been re-laid. Once it settles down though, I’m sure it will be great, especially because the risk of getting injured will be down quite a lot. I may have known my way around the old track but I also had lot of crashes coming out of the fourth bend, where there was a hole. As I’m quite light, the bike used to sink into it and I often lost the back end on the exit.”

Piper suffered one such accident in Weymouth’s season-closing Kingswood Hotel Trophy on September 29. It meant he was forced to withdraw from what could have been the last meeting ever to be staged at the Wessex Stadium. Fortunately Wildcats were handed full planning permission to continue racing at the venue last November. And despite the uncertainty surrounding his local club’s future, Piper had no intention of looking elsewhere for a team this term.

"I wanted to see what was happening with Weymouth before I signed contracts with another club,” he explained. “No offers would have started coining in for me until December. But I wanted to stay because I like the crowd at Weymouth and get on well with Phil Bartlett and the team. The planning decision was made in November so there was never any doubt about me coming back after that.”

Teenager Piper is set to leave school this year and plans to work his racing schedule around a bricklaying apprenticeship. The young reserve admits he will have to “pull his finger out” if he is to lay the foundations for a successful career in both professions. He added: “It’ll be quite hard fitting everything in but I managed to fit my racing in around school last year. I’ll only be at college two days a week, which shouldn’t be too bad. Once I get going, I’m looking for around eight points away and ten at home and it’ll be nice to break into the second string fairly soon. But this will depend on how well I’m going as I’ll have stiff competition from riders like Sam Hurst and Nathan Irwin to do this.”
 

WEYMOUTH AWARDED GB UNDER 21's SEMI-FINAL
Weymouth Speedway Ltd ~ Sunday 4th February 2007
Weymouth Speedway are to host the first semi-final of the coveted Great Britain Under 21’s Championship at the Wessex Stadium on the 13th April 2007.  Sixteen of the UK’s top young riders will fight it out for the top 5 places to qualify for the final at Eastbournes’ Arlington track on Saturday 28th April.

Weymouth duo of Karl Mason and Lee Smart are both eligible for the championship and look likely to be lining up at the Wessex Stadium.  With line ups yet to be confirmed, it already looks to be a hotly contested meeting with Ben Barker, ex-Wildcats Chris Johnson and Shane Waldron also entered there will be plenty of local interest.  The meeting starts at the usual time of 7.30pm.
 

BIG EVENTS LIST CONFIRMED
BSPA ~ Thursday 1st February 2007
BRITISH Speedway's biggest events are ready to race into an exciting new era... with the launch of the Super7even series. Tickets are on sale now for the flagship meetings to be staged up and down the country in what promises to be another thrilling season of shale action. Apart from the racing itself, more emphasis will be placed on presentation with special guests and other attractions at each of the 'big seven'.

Venues and dates have been carefully picked to maximise the potential in terms of rider availability and neutral venues to throw competition wide open. It promises to be a real summer of fun for all ages - and hopefully new fans who will taste the amazing excitement of this great sport for the first time. Remember, speedway machines have no brakes and riders often reach speeds of 70mph over four breathtaking laps!

The complete Super7even list offers a mothwatering opportunity for fans to see the best riders from both the Elite and Premier Leagues do battle at the very top of their sport.

British Speedway chairman Pete Toogood said: "This is one of the most exciting line-ups I have ever seen and I have great pleasure in presenting it to the rest of the country. British Speedway should see an explosion of public and media interest thanks to what we are trying to achieve with Super7even, it’s racing, entertainment and excitement all rolled into one!’

Super7even series director is ambitious young King's Lynn co-promoter Jonathan Chapman. He said: "We have listened to the fans and the sponsors and we have delivered, we have an amazing year ahead of us and I hope the fans of old and new turn out in force to support the meetings. If they do then every year it will get better and better just like the Speedway Grand Prix series. For example this year we have arranged for the UK Freestyle Motorcross team to put on a display before the Elite League Pairs, who’s to say it won’t be a rock band like Jon Bon Jovi in a few years time?

"We have the ambition and determination and with the superb quality of riders we have representing the clubs in the UK we can go all the way!"

Organisers are pleased to confirm the events have the full support of the SRA - Speedway Riders' Association - which ensures greater co-operation from the riders. The Super7even website is now on line for advanced tickets, click on www.super7even.com and there is an advanaced ticket hotline on 0871 2300 010.

SUPER7EVEN LINE-UP:

* SATURDAY APRIL 7 - 7pm ~ ELITE LEAGUE PAIRS CHAMPIONSHIP
Norfolk Arena, King's Lynn

* SATURDAY APRIL 28 - 7.30 ~ BRITISH UNDER-21 FINAL
Arlington Stadium, Eastbourne

* SUNDAY MAY 13 - 2pm ~ PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS CHAMPIONSHIP
East of England Showground, Peterborough

* MONDAY JUNE 4 - 7.30 ~ BRITISH FINAL
Monmore Green Stadium, Wolverhampton

* FRIDAY JUNE 29 - 7.30 ~ PREMIER LEAGUE FOURS
Oak Tree Arena, Somerset

* THURSDAY AUGUST 30 - 7.30 ~ ELITE LEAGUE RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP
Owlerton Stadium, Sheffield

* SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30 - 6pm # PREMIER LEAGUE RIDERS' CHAMPIONSHIP
Abbey Stadium, Swindon
 

Advance Tickets are available from today for all the events and more information on qualification rules, tyres and admission charges are available from the website, www.super7even.com
 

SPONSOR EVENING FOR MAGIC
By Tim Helm ~ Saturday 31st March 2007
With David’s main press day with the Weymouth Wildcats today, taking in personal appearances around Weymouth and Dorchester as well as a live radio interview on local station Wessex FM, David held a sponsors evening at the Kingswood Hotel (one of his sponsors). Several of this seasons local backers enjoyed an interview session with David, a buffet and an informal chat with David in person, while a selection of races was being played on DVD throughout the evening.

Also something a little different was a photoshoot where all the sponsors were invited to have their photo taken with David plus a big group photo at the end. This years bike and kevlars were on display along with a very impressive advertising board with sponsors logos displayed.

Those sponsors present will be presented with a 10x8 framed photo at todays Wildcats press launch. A big thank you to The Kingswood Hotel for allowing David to stage the evening and also backing him this year.

David’s main aim for the season apart from helping the Wildcats to some silverware if to win the Conference League Riders Championship which is being held at parent club Rye House where David has spent many, many years and knows every inch of the track.
 

WILDCATS LAUNCH CAMPAIGN
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 31st March 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats launch their season today at the Wessex Stadium where fans will be given the chance to meet the riders aiming for success in this season's Conference League. Skipper David Mason and his team-mates Terry Day, Sam Hurst, Nathan Irwin, Karl Mason, George Piper, Adam Filmer and Jamie Westacott will all be on hand to sign autographs and to have their photos taken. The gates open to the general public at 6.30pm and admission is free. Beverages and food will be available throughout the evening.

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "The Season Launch is an ideal time for fans to have a chat to the riders. We will be giving away free posters to the kids and they will have the chance to get their favourite rider's autograph, have a photo taken with them or even the chance to sit on a bike." At 1pm today some of the riders will also be stationed in Dorchester town centre and at Debenhams and ASDA in Weymouth.

The Doonans Wildcats will kick-off their campaign with a home meeting against the USA Dream Team next Friday (7.15pm). Bartlett said: "Every-one is champing at the bit and waiting to get started. The USA Dream Team will land on April 4 so they are going to have a busy time getting their bikes assembled prior to the meeting. "There are going to be some great riders on show and it is going to be a superb event. Brian Yarrow will be riding for USA, he used to ride for Coventry in the Elite League."

Season Launch: 1pm - Riders with bikes in Dorchester town centre and at Debenhams and Asda in Weymouth;
6.30pm - Wessex Stadium gates open to general public;
7.15pm-9.30pm - The Doonan Wildcats take to the track;
9.30pm-11pm - Social night at the Cats Whiskers Bar.
 

NEW START TIME FOR WILDCATS
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd - Press Release ~ Sunday 25th March 2007
With their opening meeting against the USA Dream Team on Good Friday fast approaching, the Doonan's Wildcats have announced a new start time for their Friday nights racing. This season will see the Wildcats bring their start time forward 15 minutes to 7.15pm. Phil Bartlett, Wildcats Chairman said "One of the conditions we put forward when applying for planning approval was that we would bring the curfew forward from 10.00 pm to 9-30 pm. We decided to bring the start time forward to allow more time for the younger riders to compete in our second half rides. The club take the development of youth riders very seriously and by bringing the start time forward we will enable them to get some valuable track time and that all important racing riding experience".

The Doonan's Wildcats will also occasionally switch race nights to Saturday evenings as both Boston and Plymouth also race on Friday evenings and have seniority over Weymouth due to planning restrictions. When the Wildcats race away to Boston and Plymouth on Friday evening the home meeting will then be moved to Saturday with a start time of 7.00pm.

Robin Spicer Commercial Director added "These Saturday night meetings will be a 'Family Fun Night' with a bouncy castle, face painting, kids photographs with the riders and games. Families can purchase a special 'All-in-one Family Ticket' for just £30 (a saving of approximately £15.00) for these Saturday meetings. The ticket includes admission for a family of four, a snack for all the family, a drink for Mum and Dad from the Cats Whiskers Bar, soft drinks for the kids and match day programme.

The Saturday Family Fun Nights offer fantastic value for money and will give the whole family a brilliant night's entertainment.
 

GREEN LIGHT FOR WEYMOUTH
By BSPA ~ Tuesday 20th March 2007
SCB Track Inspector, Colin Meredith has given the green light to the Wildcats revamped Wessex Stadium circuit following his visit this week. Mr Meredith was full of praise for the renovations and Wildcats Chairman Phil Bartlett was ecstatic at the outcome of the inspection, "I would like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters who have volunteered their time preparing the track for the coming season. Speedway fans are the most passionate of supporters and the club cannot thank them enough for their efforts over the last few months".

Track curator Jem Dicken added "I was never in doubt that the inspection would have anything other than a positive outcome. The track has been re-laid after lying dormant for nearly a year with the majority of the shale having fallen foul to the elements. The safety fence was so dilapidated it had to be completely replaced".

Club director John Hawkins added, "The noise attenuation work has been completed, the PA system designed and installed by a specialist company and the walkways have been made more accessible for the spectators. All that remains are for the floodlights to be overhauled this week ready for the season launch on 31st March".
 

SEASONS LAUNCH
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Monday 19th March 2007
With just over 3 weeks until the Wildcats ride into battle against the USA Dream Team on Friday 6th April they have one more hurdle to overcome. The Speedway Control Bureau (SCB) undertake a track inspection on Monday 19th March 2007 to ensure that all the recent track improvements comply to SCB legislation.

Phil Bartlett Wildcats chairman said “The SCB will be inspecting the track on Monday and we are confident that we will pass with flying colours. There has been an awful lot of hard work put in over the winter to get the track up to standard and the club is indebted to all the people who have donated their time”.

The Doonans Wildcats will be hosting their Season Launch on Saturday 31st March at the Wessex Stadium. The initial part of the launch will see the Wildcats riders out and about promoting Weymouth Speedway at three different locations in the local area.  From 1 o’clock on the day of the launch they will be outside Debenhams in Weymouth town centre, Dorchester town centre and at Asda in Weymouth.

2007 Season Launch Agenda - Saturday 31st March

1-00pm Riders with bikes at Debenhams, Asda and Dorchester town centre

5-30pm to 6-30pm Season Launch Press Conference
This part of the evening is for the Press, Sponsors, Season Ticket Holders and Guests only.

6-30pm GATES OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC Free Admission
Beverages and Food available throughout the evening.

Photos may be taken during this time in the pits. All children will receive a free poster and will have the opportunity to meet the riders

7-15pm to 9-30pm The Doonans Wildcats take to the track

9-30pm to 11-00pm Come an visit the well stocked Cats Whiskers Bar perfectly positioned on bend 3 of the track for a social night where you will have the opportunity to meet the riders and purchase new 2007 merchandise from the shop.
 

AWAY DAYS: ISLE OF WIGHT TRAINING SESSION
By Jem Dicken Official Weymouth Wildcats ~ Wednesday 14th March 2007
After a few months of travelling no further than the pub, Tuesday night saw the beginning of the Wildcats away days. Phil and myself left Weymouth at about 2pm, heading for Portsmouth and the ferry to the Isle of Wight. After a rather uneventful journey we reached the ferry terminal at 3.45 to be met by the Islanders promotion with hands full of tickets. Shortly after we arrived, Nathan and his Dad rolled in followed by Dave and Pete Mason then Sam and Vince Hurst. An earlier ferry was had by Terry and Karl (think they though they were going on their hols). By 4.30 we were on the little boat and cruising across the Solent, no sooner had we left, we were there, just enough time to down a coffee and ham sarnie.

Once on the island it was a ten-minute trek to Smallmead Stadium, where we met up with the early arrivals that were still sat on their sun loungers. Adam and Rod Filmer arrived shortly afterwards and everybody had a good old chinwag. By seven o’clock all the boys were changed and ready to fire up their trusty steeds, just being interrupted by a rather lovely young lady trying to sell insurance. Karl and Terry were first out on track and were fast, very fast. In fact Terry said that it was the fastest he had ever ridden and numerous Premier league people were impressed with Karl. Nathan was next out on track, and after a couple of tentative laps was straight on the pace and looking sharp. Sam had a few problems with his bike at first, but after a bit of help from Glenn Phillips mechanic he too was flying, and guess what, Sam didn’t fall off all evening!! Finally David and Adam got some laps in, Dave as you would expect was his usual professional self and did what he had to do and young Adam didn’t spare the horses and was as quick as the others until his bike developed some gremlins. All the lads enjoyed the evening and were invited back for another skid in a fortnights time, they are all very enthusiastic about the coming season, so much so that I reckon any team who beats the Wildcats this season will have done very well.

After a few beers and feast of sausage and chips in the very plush 5-1 bar we headed back to the ferry to catch the 10.30 sailing, a snooze and copious amounts of coffee saw the cruise fly by and in no time we were back in the van and heading for home, eventually arriving back in Weymouth just before one o’clock. Part two of our 2007 adventure continues on Friday when Karl, George, Nathan and Sam take part in a second half meeting at Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena.
 

BACK ON TRACK
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Monday 12th March
Weymouth Wildcats make their eagerly awaited return to the track this Tuesday 13th March when the squad travel to the Isle of Wight’s Smallbrooke circuit for a practice and team building session.

After blowing away the cobwebs at Smallbrooke, on Friday the 16th the quartet of Terry Day, Karl Mason, Sam Hurst and George Piper head of to Somerset’s Oak Tree Arena where the Wildcats take on a Junior Rebels side. This follows on from the main meeting which sees Somerset take on Polish side Czestochowa in a pre season friendly.  Among the Polish side will be the familiar face of former Wildcat, Lewis Bridger who is riding for Czestochowa this year.

Club Chairman Phil Bartlett said “It will be a great chance for all the lads to brush off the winter cobwebs and experiment with bike set ups for the season ahead.   It will also give us the opportunity for some team bonding which is vital to the team spirit”.

Team Manager Jem Dicken added “It is a bit of a trek to the Isle of Wight for a practice session but under our planning constraints we are unable to let the lads practice on their home turf in front of their home supporters.  However, the riders are all chomping at the bit and are looking forward to meeting up and getting some valuable track time”.

George Piper and Sam Hurst will have a busy week ahead of them, they have both been invited to the Elite League’s “Swindon Robins” Abbey Stadium for a training session.
 

CATS BOLSTERED UP
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd
Weymouth Wildcats have further bolstered their team with the signing of Welsh wonder Jamie Westacott.  Coming in as a squad member primarily to cover for Lee Smart when he is on Premier League duties, Westacott will also be on hand to cover for any injured heat leaders.

Phil Bartlett Wildcats Chairman said “I am delighted to have Jamie in the squad.  He rode for the Wildcats last season in a challenge match and was our top scorer, he was also very impressive with the Plymouth Devils last year and he regularly scored double figures”. 

Eighteen year old Jamie who hails from Newport, South Wales made his Conference League debut for Newport in 2003.  He has also made appearances for Reading in the Premier League and has represented Great Britain in the under 21’s. 

Former Wildcat, Adam Filmer will also be returning as a squad member this season.  Adam, from Maidstone showed huge improvement last season and will be called upon to cover for any injured or absent reserves or second string riders.

Fans will get the opportunity to meet the riders at the Season Launch which will be held on the 31st of March at the Wessex Stadium.  After an introduction to the supporters the riders will have some valuable track time and have the opportunity to put the re-laid track to the test.  Further details to follow.

The Wildcats will be holding a staff recruitment evening on Friday the 9th of March at 7.30pm at the Kingswood Hotel, Rodwell Road, Weymouth.  Anyone wishing to apply but unable to attend can call Jem Dicken on 07775645655.
 

WILDCATS BEAT OXFORD AT FORTRESS WESSEX
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 28th April 2007
Conference Trophy Second Leg: WEYMOUTH DOONANS WILDCATS 52 v OXFORD EUROPRESS LIONS 41 (Lions win 98-86 on aggregate)
TEAM manager Phil Bartlett is confident that the Wildcats can make the Wessex Stadium a fortress this season. The Radipole Lane outfit followed up last week's impressive 54-32 success over the Stoke SAS Spitfires with a convincing victory over Oxford but it was not enough to win the match. The 57-34 deficit the Lions inflicted on to the Doonans Wildcats in the first leg at the Sandy Lane Stadium on Easter Monday proved too tough to overturn but the performances of home riders David Mason (14+1) and Terry Day (12) once again showed the Dorset club's huge potential. Bartlett said: "Terry Day was the star man and had a cracking night and so did David Mason. Nathan Irwin struggled with his set up early on but David helped him out after that and that is what a true captain is all about. In the end it was clear that the damage had been done in the first leg. The deficit was just too much this time but we once again showed how tough we are going be to beat at home this year."

Trailing by 23 points from the first leg it was vital Weymouth did some damage in the opening heats to put the Lions under pressure but the first three races all ended with the spoils being shared. David Mason and Terry Day took heats one and two before Grant McDonald grabbed the Lions' opening victory in heat three. The Wildcats finally broke the deadlock with a 5-1 in the following race. Lion Kyle Hughes retired due to mechanical problems and that allowed Day to claim his second success of the night. Oxford answered back with a 4-2 in heat five courtesy of a tapes-to-flag win by Andrew Bargh and although David Mason triumphed again in the next the hosts were unable to increase their two-point advantage.

George Piper's miserable start to the season continued in heat seven when he was forced to retire due to mechanical problems allowing Oxford to register a 4-2 to level the score. The Wildcats' former mascot had also suffered a fall in heat two on the first bend of the final lap whilst in second. A mistake by Ben Hopwood on the first bend of the final lap allowed Irwin to take second behind Day in a 5-1 in heat eight and the Wildcats recorded another maximum in the next when Hurst took the win and Smart outwitted Bargh for second.

With McDonald in heat ten, another 5-1 looked unlikely but tremendous riding by winner Irwin and David Mason completed the hat-trick to make it 36-24. Oxford finally stopped the rot in heat 11 with a tactical-ride win for Bargh but Karl Mason split the Lions' pair to limit the damage to a 7-2. Two consecutive 4-2s for the Wildcats then made it 46-35 before a cracking ride by man-of-the-match Day in heat 14 saw him take Hughes on the final bend to land the hosts a share of the spoils after Hurst had fallen and remounted. The final heat ended with David Mason taking the chequered flag in a 3-3 with Day bringing up the rear behind second-placed Bargh and third-placed McDonald.

The Wildcats' next Conference Trophy clash will be away at the Plymouth Devils next Friday.
 

WILDCATS CAN CATCH THE LIONS
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 27th April 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats team manager Jem Dicken believes his side has the impetus going into tonight's Conference Trophy second-leg clash against the Oxford Lions at the Wessex Stadium. The Doonans Wildcats pulled off a remarkable 54-32 win over the Stoke SAS Spitfires last Friday to wipe out a ten-point first-leg deficit to progress in the Knockout Cup and Dicken sees not reason why his side can't turn the tables again. Oxford won the first leg 57-34 at the Sandy Lane Stadium on Easter Monday in a meeting that saw the Wildcats dogged by mechanical gremlins. The clash also included a horrifying crash involving Lions' reserve Adam Wrathall.

But Dicken is not fazed by the 23-point deficit and is confident his men can continue to improve. He said: "We were a bit rusty at Oxford and the lads were struggling to get out of the gate. The Lions also had the advantage of having a practice session prior to the meeting giving them the chance to tinker with set-ups for the match. The way our second strings are improving at the moment there is no reason why we can't be challenging for the aggregate point as well as the match win."

Nathan Irwin (10+1), Lee Smart (11+1) and Terry Day (10+2) had particularly good rides against the Spitfires and they were backed up superbly by skipper David Mason (eight paid two), Sam Hurst (eight) and Karl Mason (six paid two). The Wildcats will need a similar team display if they are to beat the Lions and they will make one change to their line-up with George Piper returning at number six for Adam Filmer.

Oxford will be without heat leader Jordan Frampton. The Poole-based rider, who scored 13 points in the first leg at Cowley, will be on Premier League duty with Somerset. Matt Bates or Lewis Blackbird will replace Wrathall, who is still recovering.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Irwin, 3 Smart, 4 Hurst, 5 K Mason, 6 Piper, 7 Day.
Lions: 1 Bargh, 2 Martin, 3 McDonald, 4 Hughes, 5 R/R, 6 Hopwood, 7 Bates, 8 Blackbird.
 

CALL OUT TO YOUNGER FANS
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Thursday 26th April 2007
With some of the most highly competitive meetings on the horizon at Wessex Stadium, Weymouth Speedway are stepping up their promotional drive to attract new fans to this fantastic sport. The first of these promotions will target the younger generation who, in turn may become the next generation of lifelong supporters.

Robin Spicer Commercial Director outlines the forthcoming schemes, "We will be distributing 'Kids Go Free' tickets to all schools in the local area and have designed "A Mission Sheet" to accompany these tickets. Each child will be invited to come to the Wessex Stadium to complete a 'Mission' as laid out on the promotional handout. They will watch the match and have questions to answer and tasks to perform. For example they will find out 'Who holds the Weymouth Track Record?', or 'Get a Doonan's Wildcat Riders Autograph' and colour in the Wildcats logo".

"When the sheets have been completed the kids can enter them into a competition with a chance to win a prize for the best entry. There will also consolation prizes for all correctly completed mission sheets."

Robin added, "We are also setting up an 'Adopt a Rider Scheme' for schools where a school can follow the progress each week of one of the Doonan's Wildcats. We are also hoping to incorporate our project into these young fans lessons. For example in Maths, they'll have to work the riders average out; in English they'll have to write a story about the rider; while in Art they'll have to draw a picture of the rider. If work commitments permit, the rider that each school adopts will be able to attend school fetes."

Robin also outlined plans for race day functions for the younger fans such as:

Children Birthday parties
The chance to be a mascot for a match
The chance to be Number 8 for a match (No riding required!)

Anyone interested in any of these packages can either contact Robin Spicer on 07990 591609 or please leave your details in the 'Cats R Us' track shop under the referee's box at the Wessex Stadium track.
 

BATTLE OF THE BIG CATS
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Tuesday 24th April 2007
The Weymouth Doonan Wildcats will be hoping to follow up their recent home success this Friday when they come face to face with the Oxford Lions in the Conference Trophy. The Wildcats went down 57-34 as the Lions roared to victory at their Sandy Lane Stadium on Easter Sunday leaving the Wildcats with a sizeable a 23 point deficit to overhaul.

However, following on from last Fridays awesome display against Stoke, confidence is high in the Wildcats stable. The home side will see one change to last week’s line up with George Piper returning to the fold at number 6. The Lions will be without Poole based heat leader Jordan Frampton who scored an impressive 13 points at Cowley as he fulfils his premier league duty for Somerset. Lions Reserve Adam Wrathhall who suffered a horrifying crash at Oxfords home fixture with the Wildcats will be replaced by either Matt Bates or Lewis Blackbird as he continues his recovery.

Team Manager Jem Dicken says “We were a bit rusty at Oxford and the lads were struggling to get out of the gate. The Lions also had the advantage of having a practice session prior to the meeting giving them the chance to tinker with setups for the match. The way our second strings are improving at the moment there’s no reason why we can’t be challenging for the aggregate point as well as the match win”.

Line Ups as follows
Weymouth Wildcats: 1. David Mason ©, 2. Nathan Irwin, 3. Lee Smart, 4. Sam Hurst, 5. Karl Mason, 6. George Piper, 7. Terry Day

Oxford Lions: 1. Andrew Bargh, 2. Sam Martin, 3. Grant McDonald ©, 4. Karl Hughes, 5. R/R Jordan Frampton, 6. Ben Hopwood, 7. Matt Bates, 8. Lewis Blackbird
 

WILDCATS TURN THE TABLES IN CUP CLASH
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 21st April 2007
Knockout Cup first round second leg: WEYMOUTH WILDCATS 54, STOKE SPITFIRES 32, (Wildcats win 94-82 on aggregate).
THE Wildcats put on a scintillating team performance to turn the tables in this Knockout Cup clash at the Wessex Stadium last night. The Doonans Wildcats wiped out their 10-point deficit from the first leg in the opening five heats and then forged ahead before a horrific crash occurred in heat eight. Stoke rider Sam Dore was the victim, going through the safety fence and suffering a suspected broken collar bone after his team-mate Guy Kendrew had made contact with him. The incident happened coming out of the second bend of the first lap and it was no surprise to see the Aussie leave the track in an ambulance. The aggregate score at that stage was 66-65 in the hosts' favour and the Spitfires never recovered. Lee Smart, who missed the first leg due to commitments with Birmingham, scored 11 paid maximum while Nathan Irwin tallied 10 paid one and reserve Terry Day 10 paid two.

Wildcats' boss Phil Bartlett said: "The accident was unfortunate. The lad's team-mate picked up a bit of grit and was maybe a bit inexperienced. He could not get his front wheel down in time and hit him in the back and pushed him through the fence. It was just one of those racing incidents which sometimes happens. "To be fair to our lads they all dug in and done what I wanted them to do. I told them to do the damage in the first four heats, which they did and they maintained it throughout the whole meeting and that was very pleasing. We are now through to the next round where we will face Buxton."

Trailing 50-40 from the first leg it was imperative the Wildcats got off to a flier in heat one and Irwin and skipper David Mason produced the goods with the former taking the chequered flag in an impressive 5-1. A 3-3 followed before in heat three rider replacement Dore fell and retired handing another 5-1 to the hosts with Sam Hurst crossing the line first and Smart second. John Branney recorded Stoke's first win in a 3-3 in the next race but in heat five the aggregate score was levelled thanks to a 4-2 by winner Smart and third-placed Hurst. The home outfit recorded a third maximum in heat six when Irwin sailed to victory backed up by David Mason. The race had to be re-run due to Irwin failing to sit still on his bike at the start of the first attempt. The ex-Boston rider received a warning but it clearly did not distract him.

The Spitfires desperately needed to break their opponents' superiority and in heat seven they gave rider replacement Branney a tactical ride from the gate.
Kriss Irving was then excluded for a tapes offence and was replaced by Kendrew, who was warned for not sitting still at the start of the re-run. An unsatisfactory start followed that in the third re-run before Branney finally pulled off a fine win in the fourth to claim six points. Karl Mason came second and Filmer produced a fine last-gasp over-taking manoeuvre to snatch third on the line leaving the aggregate score on 66-65 in the Wildcats' favour. Having stopped the rot Stoke needed to gain some joy in the following heat but instead Dore went through the fence after reserve Kendrew had lifted and made contact with him. Kendrew was the cause of the accident and was excluded and because Dore was brought in as a reserve Weymouth grabbed a 5-0 when the action restarted with Irwin grabbing his third win. Smart won in a 4-2 for his side in the next when the race was awarded due to a fall from Kendrew and from that point Weymouth saw out the remainder of the meeting with relative comfort.

The visitors did take a 4-2 in heat 11 when Filmer fell while in third place but there proved no way back for them in terms of the end result. Heat 15 did not take place due to the track's time curfew.
 

SKIPPER MASON CAN TURN CUP FORTUNES AROUND
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 20th April 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats team manager Jem Dicken believes the performance of skipper David Mason could be the key factor in tonight's Knockout Cup first round second leg clash against the Stoke SAS Spitfires at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm). The Doonans Wildcats lost the first leg 50-40 on Wednesday night when mechanical gremlins blighted their evening. The same problem occurred on April 6 in their defeat against The USA Dream Team so Dicken is also hoping for a bit of luck.

When asked whether his side is capable of overturning the 10-point deficit, Dicken said: "That is not a problem at home. Tonight's meeting is our first real competitive one of the season on our own track and the boys are really up for it. They know they could have done better on Wednesday night and they are determined to put it right. We have suffered a lot of mechanical gremlins so far and we will be keeping our fingers crossed that does not happen again tonight. David has been the one who has probably suffered the most in that respect and we really need a captain's ride from him if we are going to go through. If he can lead from the front then it will give everyone a lift."

Lee Smart missed the loss at Loomer Road due to commitments with Birmingham but he will line-up for the Wildcats tonight. Dicken added: "Having Lee will be a big boost for the whole team and with home advantage it is not hard to see why we feel we can turn things around."

Stoke will be hoping for big performances from Barrie Evans and Sam Dore tonight. Evans top-scored on Wednesday with 16 points from six races while Dore totalled 14. Dicken said: "The crowd for the British Under-21 semi-final last week was a bit disappointing but we were expecting that. People want team meetings and with tonight's being our first competitive fixture of the season hopefully we will see a big turn out."

Wildcat George Piper and Sittingbourne's Luke Goody both received £300 maximum on-the-spot fines for the fracas they were involved in during last week's British Under-21 Championship semi-final held at the Wessex Stadium.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Irwin, 3 Smart, 4 Hurst, 5 K Mason, 6 Filmer, 7 Day.
Spitfires: 1 Evans, 2 Haigh, 3 Hargreaves, 4 Irving, 5 Branney, 6 Dore, 7 Kendrew.
 

CATS HIT BY GREMLINS
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 19th April 2007
Knockout Cup First Leg ~ Stoke SAS Spitfires 50, Weymouth Wildcats 40.
MECHANICAL gremlins and a dubious refereeing decision did not help the Doonans Wildcats' cause in this Knockout Cup first-leg clash at Loomer Road. The Radipole Lane outfit went down by a 10-point margin and must now pull off a top-class performance in tomorrow's second leg at the Wessex Stadium to progress. The referee's debatable call came in heat 11 when unlucky Nathan Irwin appeared to have crossed the line in third spot. But that place ended up being awarded to the Spitfires' John Branney much to the surprise of the Wildcats, the crowd and particularly Irwin himself. To make matters worse for the visitors Sam Hurst disintegrated a clutch on the start line and Karl Mason snapped his footrest at the tapes in heat 15.

Despite his team's trials and tribulations, Wildcats' team-manager Jem Dicken was still in a positive frame of mind after the meeting. He said: "I am a bit disappointed with today's performance. We seem to be having our fair share of mechanical failures at the moment but that is speedway for you. With Lee Smart back on Friday and the way some of the less experienced riders are coming along, I think we have a great chance of getting the result we want this week and with only 10 points in it, it's well within our reach."

The Wildcats' frustrating evening began with Irwin off 15 metres in heat one. The ex-Boston star was judged to have moved at the tapes but he did recover to dive under David Haigh to take third spot. Home rider Barrie Evans claimed victory ahead of Weymouth captain David Mason. Heat two also saw the points shared. Terry Day and Adam Filmer split the Spitfires' duo of the highly impressive Sam Dore and new kid on the block Guy Kendrew. Karl Mason then snatched two points for the Wildcats in the third with Jamie Westacott and Day claiming another shared heat in the fourth making the score 13-11 in Stoke's favour.

A 5-1 for the Spitfires followed in heat five before two more shared heats saw Hurst take the first chequered flag of the night for the Wildcats in the seventh. Irwin notched up another heat victory for the away side in eight. He was backed up by team mate Day who tracked Kendrew for three laps before diving up the inside of the final bend to put the Wildcats within four points at 26-22. Westacott and Filmer grasped another heat advantage in nine and with only two points between the teams everything was still to play for. However, the Spitfires fought back taking the next two heats 4-2.

The Wildcats retaliated with an inspired ride by Karl Mason who tagged Dore on the line, putting the score at 39-33 before David Mason found his form in 13 in another shared heat. The Spitfires then scored a 4-2 in the penultimate race before capturing another two-point advantage in the final heat in which David Mason split Evans and Branney, and Karl Mason snapped his footrest.
 

CATS GUNNING FOR SPITFIRES
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Wednesday 18th April 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats begin their bid to regain the Knockout Cup tonight when they travel to Stoke. The Radipole Lane outfit won the competition in 2005 when they edged a nail-biting finale at Mildenhall and this year's team are revved up to repeat the feat. The two-legged first round tie, which will see the SAS Spitfires visit the Wessex Stadium on Friday (7.15pm), promises to be a cracker. Wildcats team-manager Jem Dicken said: "The lads are really psyched up for this one and have been looking forward to it for sometime. "There is an element of pride at stake after last year's 65-29 drubbing at their place in the Conference Shield and I know skipper David Mason has already held a team-talk regarding tactics."

Heat leader Lee Smart is on Premier League duty with Birmingham tonight so Jamie Westacott will feature for the Doonans Wildcats, along with Adam Filmer who will come in at number six for George Piper. The former Weymouth mascot has been ruled out through injuries he picked up at Oxford on Easter Sunday and in the British Under-21s semi-final at the Wessex Stadium last Friday. Nathan Irwin, Sam Hurst, Karl Mason and Terry Day will complete the line-up.

The latter has a few scores to settle after falling victim to a dubious exclusion decision during last year's visit to Loomer Road. Day said: "I got excluded last year after the race had been awarded. Initially, George Piper was excluded then the referee decided to exclude me instead. I was not happy as I'd had a reasonable meeting until then and was in second place."

Stoke's Jack Hargreaves has recovered from a back injury sustained at Workington and will take his place at number three. Barrie Evans, David Haigh, Kriss Irving, John Branney, Sam Dore and Guy Kendrew will be the other riders in Stoke's line-up.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Irwin, 3 K Mason, 4 Hurst, 5 Westacott, 6 Filmer, 7 Day
Spitfires: 1 Evans, 2 Haigh, 3 Hargreaves, 4 Irving, 5 Branney, 6 Dore, 7 Guy Kendrew
 

BARKER BLASTS THROUGH TO BRITISH FINAL
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 14th April 2007
FORMER Weymouth Wildcat Ben Barker produced a scintillating display of riding to capture victory in a pulsating British Under-21s semi-final at the Wessex Stadium last night. The 19-year-old Stoke star, who still holds the track record at the Radipole Lane circuit of 52.8 seconds, finished ahead of Wildcat Lee Smart, who was making his first home appearance of the season. Both men, along with third-placed Mark Baseby, can now prepare for the final at Eastbourne on April 28. Rye House's Robert Mear, who came fourth, will also travel to the East Sussex track where he will take part in a run-off for a final spot. Barker said: "This is probably my favourite track in the country. I thought I was going to be in the Plymouth round but then I was told I was coming to Weymouth and I thought great. The aim was a top three place and to qualify for the final so I am delighted. To win it was excellent and now I just can't wait for the final."

Barker's bid was helped by the withdrawal of fellow ex-Wildcat Chris Johnson who suffered a nasty fall in heat nine. When that race was re-run the Isle of Wight star showed great bravery to come out and claim two points behind Baseby but shortly after the race he retired from the meeting on medical advice. Barker said: "I really thought Chris would get into the final. It is not nice to go out that way but there is a wild card and if there was one person who deserves that it is Chris because he is going really well in the Premier League as well. We will just have to see how it goes and I hope to see him back on a bike again soon."

The meeting, which was contested by 16 riders, was frantic and no one could take their eyes off it for a second. As well as some great racing and overtaking manoeuvres, there was also some dramatic falls and even a fracas between Wildcat and reserve George Piper and Sittingbourne's Luke Goody. Both men experienced a disappointing meeting and in heat 17 their frustration spilled over. Goody clearly felt his rival had hindered him at the start of the race when the two riders nearly collided, and after Piper had fallen and the race was over there were some unsavoury scenes on the third bend. A push-and-shove match was broken up and after consultations with both race officials and referee Christina Turnbull the two riders calmed down again.

Smart and Barker were the top two riders on count-back after everyone had completed their five heats, moving them directly into the final. Smart said: "There was definitely a bit of everything tonight but at the end of the day I have done it the hard way and I am just glad to come away with second. I am now looking forward to the final and proving what I can do." Of his performance in the final, Smart added: "Ben and I both went out there to get in the top three and that is why instead of racing we just sat there and settled. There was no point in trying to knock each other off and that made it a bit easier."

Three out of the first four heats needed re-runs and it was clear there was a lot of nerves amongst the riders but once everything settled down the crowd enjoyed a fantastic spectacle. Barker started his evening with a bumpy ride and a second-place in heat three behind Johnson, who he nearly collided with on the home straight. But he soon put the record straight with dominant wins in heats five, 11 and 16. Sam Hurst and Adam Filmer, two other Wildcats in the action, mustered seven points and four points respectively. Had Hurst grabbed points in heat three and 13, in which he fell and retired, he would not have been far away from a semi-final spot. Heat nine was the most dramatic of the night. After all four riders fell on the first bend and Johnson received medical attention, Baseby produced a marvellous ride to beat the former Wildcat, who he passed superbly on the second bend of the second lap.

The semi-final, which was contested by four Rye House riders, was also a classic with Baseby once again producing the goods by holding the inside line on the final bend and taking Barry Burchett on the run in to the line to capture second spot and a place in the final.
 

WILDCATS QUARTET BID FOR UNDER-21 FINAL PLACE
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 13th April 2007
SOME of Britain's best up-and-coming riders will be taking to the track at the Wessex Stadium tonight. The Radipole Lane circuit is hosting the British Under-21's semi-final and a hugely talented field has been assembled for what promises to be a fantastic night of racing. There will be plenty of local interest for the home fans with 2007 Wildcats Lee Smart, Adam Filmer, Sam Hurst and Karl Mason all hoping to qualify for the final, which will be at Eastbourne on April 28. Several former Wildcats will also be making an appearance including Lewis Dalloway, Ben Barker and Chris Johnson.

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "This is an absolutely fantastic line-up and will make for a highly competitive meeting. "There are a few Wessex Stadium specialists including current track record holder Ben Barker, Isle of Wight's Chris Johnson who looked awesome at the season launch, and our very own Lee Smart who is unbeatable on his day. Karl Mason had a brilliant first meeting and Sam Hurst, providing he stays away from the fence should also be a contender. It's impossible to predict the winner so I would advise all fans to come along as this one is wide open."

Oxford's Adam Wrathall was also scheduled to ride but he suffered a horrific accident during the Lions' win over the Wildcats on Sunday. Bartlett said: "Everyone at the Weymouth Wildcats would like to wish Adam a full recovery." A collection for Wrathall, who has been replaced by British Under-15's champion Joe Haines, will take place during the meeting. Gates open 6pm with first race at 7.15pm.

Riding Order: 1 Mark Baseby (Sittingbourne), 2 Lee Strudwick (Rye House), 3 Joe Haines (Scunthorpe), 4 Daniel Halsey ( Rye House), 5 Lee Smart ( Birmingham/Weymouth), 6 Aaron Baseby ( Sittingbourne), 7 Barry Burchett (Rye House), 8 Jack Hargreaves (Stoke), 9 Ben Barker (Stoke), 10 Lewis Dalloway (Buxton), 11 Chris Johnson (Isle of Wight), 12 Sam Hurst (Weymouth), 13 Ben Hopwood (Oxford), 14 Robert Mear (Rye House), 15 Karl Mason (Weymouth), 16 Adam Filmer (Weymouth). Reserves: George Piper (Weymouth), Rob Charles (Oxford).
 

BRITISH UNDER 21's SEMI-FINAL
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Thursday 12th April 2007
Weymouth Speedway boasts a cracking line-up this Friday when they host one of the British Under 21's Semi-Final. A hugely talented field has been assembled for the meeting at Radipole Lane and will feature 22 races. The home fans will have plenty of local interest with 2007 Wildcats Lee Smart; making his first appearance at the Wessex for 2007, Adam Filmer, Sam Hurst and Karl Mason all hoping to qualify for the final. Several ex Wildcats also making an appearance are Lewis Dalloway, Ben Barker and Chris Johnson. The top three qualify for the final at Eastbourne on Saturday the 28th of April with the 4th rider from each semi-final entering a run-off for the last place in the 16 man final.

Phil Bartlett Wildcats Chairman said "This is an absolutely fantastic line up and will make for a highly competitive meeting. There are a few Wessex Stadium specialists including current track record holder Ben Barker, Isle of Wight's Chris Johnson who looked awesome at the season launch and our very own Lee Smart who is unbeatable on his day. Karl Mason had a brilliant first meeting and Sam Hurst, providing he stays away from the fence should also be a contender. It's impossible to predict the winner so I'd advise all fans to come along as this ones wide open".

Adam Wrathall was scheduled to ride but suffered a horrific accident at Oxfords meeting against Weymouth on Easter Sunday. Weymouth Wildcats Ltd wish to send there best wishes for a full recovery and will be holding a collection for Adam during the meeting. He is replaced by British Under 15s Champion, Scunthorpe's Joe Haines.

Gates open at 6.00pm - first race 7.15pm.

Riding Order
1. Mark Baseby (Sittingbourne)
2. Lee Strudwick (Rye House)
3. Joe Haines ( Scunthorpe)
4. Daniel Halsey ( Rye House)
5. Lee Smart ( Birmingham/Weymouth)
6. Aaron Baseby ( Sittingbourne)
7. Barry Burchett (Rye House)
8. Jack Hargreaves (Stoke)
9. Ben Barker (Stoke)
10.Lewis Dalloway (Buxton)
11. Chris Johnson (Isle of Wight)
12. Sam Hurst (Weymouth)
13. Ben Hopwood (Oxford)
14. Robert Mear (Rye House)
15. Karl Mason (Weymouth)
16. Adam Filmer (Weymouth)

Res George Piper
Res Rob Charles
 

WILDCATS LACK BITE AS LIONS ROAR
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo & Tim Helm ~ Monday 9th April 2007
WILDCAT Jamie Westacott was forced to withdraw from last night's meeting at Oxford after being bitten by a pitbull terrier. The British Under-21 international was replaced by Karl Mason who was forced to dash from Newport, South Wales where he was riding earlier in the day. Karl Mason lit up the Wessex Stadium on Friday night with a fantastic 16-point haul in his side's 45-44 Challenge Match defeat against the USA Dream Team but he was unable to unable to produce the goods for the Wildcats this time around as the Lions roared to victory.

The meeting was marred by a serious injury to home rider Adam Wrathall in heat two, who lost control after hitting a rut whilst accelerating out of a corner and was catapulted over the safety fence. Medical staff spent a long time with the youngster before he was transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital where the news indicates internal chest and head injuries together with several broken bones.

Andrew Bargh and Sam Martin got Oxford off to the best possible start posting a 5-1 ahead of third-placed David Mason and Nathan Irwin, who trailed home in fourth. Ben Hopwood then scampered away in the next race, which also saw Wildcat George Piper tumble into the air fence on the fourth turn after clearly struggling with the mid-track conditions. With everyone concerned for Wrathall the match continued and the Lions refused to let up, recording three consecutive 5-1 heat advantages and a 4-2 before the visitors finally hit back.

Lee Smart was the man who produced the goods for the Wildcats, taking heat seven that also saw his team-mate Sam Hurst finish third. Oxford responded by grabbing a 5-1 in the next, which preceded five shared heats. Weymouth were finally getting to grips with the Sandy Lane circuit but it was too late to have an impact. Wildcats' boss Jem Dicken handed Smart a tactical ride to try and stem the tide but he could only manage second behind Bargh while Hurst finished fourth behind Martin.

The penultimate heat saw the Lions forge even further ahead with Hughes passing Hurst after the Wildcat was in front for almost two laps. The final race for nominated riders saw the points shared with visiting skipper David Mason taking his only success of the night. The top-scorer from each side had the added bonus of racing for the Bert Harkins Bronze Helmet. The Lions tracked Grant McDonald while the Wildcats had Lee Smart, who after suffering machine gremlins at the tapes took the win due to a tumble by his opponent.
 

LASSY KARL IMPRESSES IN WILDCATS DEFEAT
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 7th April 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcat Karl Mason stole the show in last night's challenge match at the Wessex Stadium. The 21-year-old scored 16 points from his six races and landed the man-of-the-match trophy but his side was still defeated, going down 44-45 against the USA Dream Team. The hosts led throughout until heat 14 when the Stateside stars posted a 4-2 to move one point in front ahead of the final race. Karl Mason blasted around the boards on the first bend, his trademark move on the night, and took the last heat with ease but his team-mate Nathan Irwin was unable beat Bryan Yarrow or Tim Gomez who retained their side's one-point lead by coming second and third respectively.

Karl Mason said: "The track rode beautifully, the bike was going good and I got more confident as the night went on. We had a lot of bike problems and were unfortunate in the end but as a whole I thought the team rode well and I am confident after tonight's display that we can push on from here and make a serious challenge for some silverware." Of his trademark sweep on the first bend, he added: "It was a bit of pot luck to be honest but I knew it was working so I just got my head down and went for it. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and I was just lucky they left me the outside gate. The track is much more consistent and that is why I was able to go so wide and do moves like that so all credit to everyone who worked on it over the winter because they have done an excellent job."

A bumper crowd took great delight when home skipper David Mason took the first heat in 54.7 seconds but the popular 30-year-old later blew an engine in a frustrating evening for him. Terry Day and Adam Filmer then came first and second respectively in heat two for an impressive 5-1 and at that point it looked like it would be the Doonans Wildcats night. The hosts then increased their early lead to seven points in heat three when Karl Mason grabbed his first of four wins. His team-mate Sam Hurst backed him up by finishing third behind Yarrow, who was overtaken superbly by the winner on the third bend of the third lap.

The Wildcats retained their seven-point advantage until heat seven when the visitors finally got their act together and posted a 5-1 with Yarrow finishing first ahead of Gomez. Irwin responded with a fine sweep on the first bend and won the next race to post a 4-2 with Day finishing third but after that the Dream Team slowly edged back into contention. In heat nine Karl Mason captured an important victory after Hurst failed to make the two minutes and replacement Day retired after hitting a rut. Irwin then produced a late overtaking manoeuvre in the next race after breaking the tapes and starting 15 metres back. The former Swindon star took third and David Mason grabbed second to preserve their side's five-point gap.

It was in heat 11 that the Americans started to turn the tide with Tommy Hedden winning and Dale Facchini coming third. David Mason, acting as rider replacement for Lee Smart who was riding for Birmingham on the night, came second while Filmer's wheels both crossed inside the white line causing him to be excluded. Yarrow and Mabry then posted another 4-2 for their side before Gomez and Kenny Ingalls did the same in heat 14 to put the Americans 42-41 ahead going into the final race where they did just enough to wrap up the victory.

Wildcats manager Phil Bartlett said: "It was a very close heat 15 decider and that always keeps the crowd on the edge of their seats. It was disappointing not to win but it was a challenge meeting and it was a good run for the boys."

The Wildcats will travel to Oxford tomorrow for a Conference Trophy match.
 

WILDCATS OUT TO SILENCE STATESIDE STARS
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 6th April 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats kick-start their 2007 campaign tonight with a friendly against the USA Dream Team (7.15pm). A big crowd is expected at the Wessex Stadium where the hosts will be hoping to repeat the mauling they dished out to the Stateside stars two years ago when they beat them 56-37. However, the Dream Team has promised to put up a much better fight this time around, they are far stronger and a close encounter is expected. Tim Gomez, top-scorer for the Americans in 2005, will return this year as team captain. He said: "I enjoyed myself racing the Weymouth track in 2005, I scored 12 points and I am looking forward to tonight's meeting. The people are really friendly and treated us great last time we were here."

One of the Dream Team's more experienced riders is 33-year-old Tommy Hedden. The former Northern California Junior Champion has been riding since 1983 and was third in last year's California State Championship. Another man to watch will be Brian Yarrow, who has quite a collection of silverware in his trophy cabinet. The former Coventry rider has a US Junior National Championship under his belt along with the 2006 Costa Mesa Fair Derby Championship in which he defeated Bobby Schwartz, Shawn McConnell, Josh Larsen and Bobby Kipps to take the title. USA/AMA Speedway Under-21 National Champion Neil Fachinni and Dale Fachinni will also be in the USA side, whose reserves will be JT Mabry and Kenny Ingalls.

The Wildcats will be using rider replacement as George Piper and Jamie Westacott have been called up to compete in the Great Britain Under-21s at Plymouth and Lee Smart will be riding for Birmingham in the Premier League. Phil Bartlett said "After a lot of consideration we decided to use rider replacement so that we can give our riders some extra track time in preparation for their league and cup campaign. It's unfortunate that we have lost three team members in one night but country comes before club and we wish them the best of luck."

Wildcats: 1 David Mason (captain), 2 Nathan Irwin, 3 Karl Mason, 4 Sam Hurst, 5 R/R, 6 Adam Filmer, 7 Terry Day.
Dream Team: 1 Tommy Hedden, 2 Dale Fachinni, 3 Bryan Yarrow, 4 Tim Gomex (captain), 5 Neil Fachinni, 6 JT Mabry, 7 Kenny Ingalls.
 

WILDCATS v USA DREAM TEAM
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Thursday 5th April 2007
The clocks have gone forward, the daffodils are past their best, the days are getting longer, its nearly warm enough to turn the central heating off, it can only mean one thing – Speedway on the Dorset coast is back! The Wildcats will be hoping for a Good Friday this week when they take on the USA Dream Team in their opening meeting of the 2007 season. Its two years since the Dream Team received an absolute mauling by the Wildcats going down 56-37. However, this year’s opponents are far stronger and this meeting is far too close to call.

Top scorer for the Americans in 2005 was Tim Gomez who returns this year as team captain. Tim who hails from California said “I enjoyed myself racing the Weymouth track in 2005, I scored 12 points and I am looking forward tonight’s meeting. The people are really friendly and treated us great before”. One of the Dream Teams more experienced riders is 33 year old Tommy Hedden. The Former Northern California Junior Champion has been riding since 1983 and was 3rd in last years California State Championship. Another potential hazard is Bryan Yarrow who has quite a collection of Silverware in his trophy cabinet back home and could prove to be a real handful for the Wildcats. Bryan has a U.S. Junior National Championship under his belt along with the 2006 Costa Mesa Fair Derby Championship in which he defeated Bobby Schwartz, Shawn McConnell, Josh Larsen and Bobby Kipps to take the title. Two former visitors are Neil and Dale Fachinni. Neil is the 2006 USA/AMA Speedway Under 21 National Champion and brother Dale was voted “Most Improved Rider” of the 2006 Tour. Completing the line-up are the two reserves JT Mabry and Kenny Ingalls.

The Wildcats will be using Rider Replacement as George Piper and Jamie Westacott have been called up to compete in the Great Britain Under 21’s at Plymouth and Lee Smart will be riding for Birmingham in the Premier League. Phil Bartlett said “After a lot of consideration we decided to use Rider Replacement so that we can give our riders some extra track time in preparation for their League and Cup campaign. Its unfortunate that we have lost three team members in one night but country comes before club and we wish them the best of luck”.

Provisional team line-up

    Wildcats
    1 David Mason (Captain)
    2 Nathan Irwin
    3 Karl Mason
    4 Sam Hurst
    5 R/R
    6 Adam Filmer
    7 Terry Day

    USA Dream Team
    1 Tommy Hedden
    2 Dale Fachinni
    3 Bryan Yarrow
    4 Tim Gomex (Captain),
    5 Neil Fachinni
    6 JT Mabry
    7 Kenny Ingalls

Start time for the meeting is 7.15pm - don't be late
 

USA DREAM TEAM RIDER PROFILES
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Thursday 5th April 2007
The 2007 USA Dream Team has arrived in Britain this week and they kick off their third tour on Friday night at Weymouth before taking in Scunthorpe, Wolverhampton, Sheffield, Plymouth and Buxton. The squad looks to be the strongest the team has brought so far with three riders making their third tour and being supplemented by a mix of youth and experience.

Turning out for the Dream Team in 2007 will be:
Tim Gomez is 18 and was a steady collector of points during the 2005 tour. He started the 2006 trip superbly by top scoring at Mildenhall and winning heat 15 but a fall at Sheffield meant he missed a meeting and then rode injured, struggling at both Plymouth and Scunthorpe. Tim finished third in the 2005 US Under-21 Championship but a crash prevented another podium finish in 2006. He has been named as captain for the 2007 tour.

Neil Facchini was 22 on Monday and, like Gomez, is on his third tour. He was paid for eight points at both Mildenhall and Newport in 2005 but the 2006 trip saw him move from reserve straight to the number one race jacket. He scored well at Buxton and Scunthorpe and would have defeated the Scorpions Josh Auty and Tai Woffinden but for a last bend engine failure. Neil took the US U-21 title with a faultless 15-point maximum in December.

Dale Facchini, like his brother, celebrates his birthday this week, turning 19 on Saturday (7th April). Dale was a trump card at reserve last year after struggling a bit in 2005. He scored 5+2 from four rides at Mildenhall, 14+2 at Buxton and 10 at Plymouth before struggling a little at Scunthorpe. Dale has continued improving and was runner-up to his brother in the US U-21 Championship. He moves into the main body of the team this trip.

Bobby Hedden is a first time tourist but at 33 he is the senior rider in the team. He had a very successful 2006 season which saw him finish third in the California State Championship before claiming an impressive fifth place in the three-round US National Championships. The only riders to finish ahead of him were Greg Hancock, Billy Hamill, Mike Faria and Charlie Venegas and he has been given the number one race jacket for the tour.

Bryan Yarrow completes the top five and although this is his first Dream Team tour he did ride in the Elite League for the Coventry Bees in 2004. That stay wasn’t an over-whelming success but most riders can only dream of being selected by such a club. Bryan, who is now 23 and a successful rider at the famous Costa Mesa track in California, is hoping a successful trip will earn him another chance in the British Leagues for the 2008 season.

Kenny Ingalls will be filling one of the reserve berths today. The 20-year old has been riding for nearly three years and made a lot of progress in 2006. He mostly rides at the Auburn track in Northern California but finished joint fourth in the US Under-21 Championship at Industry Hills in Los Angeles, defeating Dale Facchini and JT Mabry along the way.

JT Mabry is the other reserve. He scored 9 points to finish eighth in the national Under-21 Championship before scoring an impressive 7+1 when the tourists beat a ‘World Select’ side 45-39 in February. Like the other new riders he hails from northern California whilst the returnees, Gomez and the Facchini brothers, live close to Los Angeles. Has been riding speedway for ten years and, like so many, his ambition is to ride in the British leagues.

Scott Campos is the team’s number eight. The 17-year old, who has ridden for Mildenhall, Rye House and Boston in the Conference League is an accomplished grass track racer and is on standby for the team. Scott’s father is from the U.S.

Previous Tour results:

2005
March 23 – Stoke 66, USA Dream Team 24
March 25 – Weymouth 56, USA Dream Team 37
March 26 – Sittingbourne 42, USA Dream Team 46
March 27 – Mildenhall 49, USA Dream Team 41
March 28 – Young Wales 47, USA Dream Team 48 (at Newport)
April 2 - Scotland 60, USA Dream Team 34 (at Armadale)

2006
April 8 Mildenhall 55, USA Dream Team 40
April 16 Buxton 40 USA Dream Team 50
April 21 Plymouth 47 USA Dream Team 42
April 23 Scunthorpe 62 USA Dream Team 33

The full 2007 tour schedule is:
Friday 6th April v. Weymouth Wildcats
Sunday 8th April v. Scunthorpe Scorpions
Monday 9th April v. Wolverhampton Predators
(6-heat mini meeting after Wolverhampton v. Belle Vue Elite League meeting)
Thursday 12th April v. Sheffield Prowlers
(6-heat mini meeting after Sheffield v Workington Premier Trophy meeting)
Friday 13th April v. Plymouth Devils
Sunday 15th April v. Buxton Hitmen

The Team Managers for the tour will be:
Scunthorpe, Wolverhampton, Sheffield and Buxton – Wayne Carter
Weymouth – Laurence Rogers
Plymouth – Richard Hollingsworth

For more details on the USA Dream Team check out their website at www.usadreamteam.co.uk
 

CAT'S SKIPPER TARGETS CONFERENCE PLAY-OFFS
By Adam Summers - Dorset Echo ~ Tuesday 3rd April 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats skipper David Mason believes his side are capable of reaching the Conference League play-offs this summer. The 2001 Conference League Riders’ champion revealed his optimism at the club’s Season Launch, which took place at the Wessex Stadium.

Mason said: “I love it here and with the backing of the club’s new management team and all the supporters I am sure we are going to have a good year. We have got to aim to get in the play-offs, which is the top four. We have also got to look to win some silverware like the Knockout Cup. We have a good squad and if we all work together and stick together I am sure we will do well.”

The Doonans Wildcats have worked hard on enhancing their track during the close season and the riders are looking forward to competing on it. Reserve and former Wildcats mascot George Piper said: “A lot of work has been done and it looks very smooth. They have done a good job.”

Fellow squad members Karl Mason, Adam Filmer, Terry Day, Nathan Irwin, Jamie Westacott and Sam Hurst were also present at the event along with the club’s new six-year- old mascot Callum Gordon. The only rider who was absent was Lee Smart due to racing commitments with Birmingham.

Wildcats’ chairman Phil Bartlett said: “We are running the Wildcats as a management team now rather than just myself. All of the team are supporters of speedway and we are all working hard to strive forward together.” Speaking about his squad’s chances of success, Bartlett added: “With more teams on board this year there were less riders to go around. A few of the teams also like to spend big money but that does not mean they are any better than us and I think the Conference League is wide open to anyone this year.”

The Wildcats kick-start their season with a friendly clash against The USA Dream Team at the Wessex Stadium on Friday (7.15pm).
 

WILDCATS ARE GO
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Sunday 1st April 2007
The roar of bikes made a welcome return to the Wessex Stadium on Saturday when the Wildcats held their 2007 Season Launch. It was a busy day for the riders and management who were out and about promoting speedway at several locations in and around Weymouth.

Phil Bartlett Wildcats Chairman said "We had a very successful day and hopefully raised awareness of Weymouth Speedway within the local community. The riders that were in Weymouth town centre and at Asda gave out hundreds of 'Kids Go Free' tickets and said they were overwhelmed with the interest and support they received from the public".

Julie Martin Press Officer for Weymouth Speedway added "Wildcats captain David Mason was invited to local radio station and Wildcats media partner Wessex FM where he was interviewed live on air. After the interview David and Adam Filmer along with bike went to Dorchester Football clubs' Avenue Stadium and handed out 'Kids Go Free' tickets. Whilst chatting to the public it was surprising how many used to go to Weymouth speedway but haven't been back since it was re-launched in 2003. By going out and promoting the club as we have this weekend hopefully we can attract these people back to this exciting family sport".

The riders then returned to the Wessex Stadium where they were introduced to sponsors and members of the press before they went to the pits where fans had the chance to get autographs and have a chat or photograph with the team.

Finally the riders headed out onto the track for some valuable pre meeting practice ahead of next weeks meeting against a strong USA Dream Team.

Robin Spicer Commercial Director said "I would like to thank Asda and Dorchester Football Club for allowing us to promote our club at their venues. It is important that we get our message out to the public that we are back and ready to go. This years Conference League looks to be one of the most closely contested yet and with the team we have its going to be cracker!".

Weymouth's season kicks off on Good Friday 6th April with an enthralling opener against the USA Dream Team. Gates open at 6.30pm and the meeting starts at 7.15pm.
 

WILDCATS WANT TO PACK 'EM IN
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 31st May 2007
THE Weymouth Doonan Wildcats are hoping for a packed house at the Wessex Stadium for tomorrow night's Knockout Cup second round first leg clash against the Buxton Hitmen (7.15pm). The Radipole Lane outfit had two meetings postponed last weekend and they are keen to carry on the form that helped them beat the Stoke Spitfires 51-40 in their previous match. A special free entry for children and buy-one-get-one-free offer for the tie is available in today's Dorset Echo - now a media partner.

Wildcats commercial director Robin Spicer said: "The Dorset Echo have always given us excellent coverage and we are very lucky to have their fantastic support. This amalgamation is a major coup and we hope it will spearhead our drive to promote speedway in Weymouth to a wider audience. Since the inception of Weymouth Wildcats Ltd, as a company we can see that the potential of the club has not yet been realised and we are determined to develop it into one of the biggest attractions in the local area. The Dorset Echo are already helping us to attract new people with a promotion in the newspaper of a buy-one-get-one-free offer. This offer will be on for two weeks and hopefully it will result in some new supporters. If regulars can bring along a friend that has never been before it would be very helpful for the long-term future of the club. So far this season we have been very encouraged by the attendance we have had but along with this scheme and the others we have planned we hope to keep taking things forward."
 

WASHED-OUT
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 28th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett believes it is imperative that his riders make home advantage count when they entertain the Buxton Hitmen in the second round first leg of the Knockout Cup at the Wessex Stadium on Friday. The first leg was due be held at the Hitmen's home track in Derbyshire yesterday but the meeting was called off due to the wet weather along with today's Conference League tie at Rye House. The Radipole Lane outfit claimed a fine 51-40 league win over the Stoke Spitfires on Friday and Bartlett admits that the two cancellations have hindered his men from building on their encouraging form.

He said: "I received a call from Rye House yesterday afternoon and to have that and the Buxton meeting called off is a bit of a shame especially after such a good meeting on Friday when we showed some improvements. I would have liked us to have won by a bigger margin against Stoke but it was good to see everyone contributing. In all honesty we should have hammered them and we threw it away a bit. George Piper hit the dirt on the first turn of his first race and had to withdraw from the meeting and we gave away some points so although it was encouraging there are still improvements to be made. This Friday's meeting against Buxton is now even more important because yesterday's cancellation means what was supposed to be the second leg has now become the first leg. It is important we give them a right hammering and make home advantage count so we have something to take to their place and get through. The lads have got it all to do and they know what is expected of them."

Weymouth captain David Mason returned to form against Stoke scoring 10 paid one from his five races. Bartlett added: "It was nice to see the skipper lead from the front but we are still not getting everyone doing the business at the same time. It seems one rider performs really well one meeting and another does it the next one. We now just need to get everyone firing at the same time."
 

BACK ON SONG
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 26th May 2007
WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS 51 v 40 STOKE SPITFIRES
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats skipper David Mason hailed last night's fine win over the Spitfires at the Wessex Stadium as a "great all-round team performance" and then admitted he feels back "on song." The Radipole Lane outfit controlled the encounter from start to finish and their talismanic captain is confident that they can continue improving. David Mason said: "I think it was a great all-round team performance tonight. Terry Day rode a good meeting and so did Karl Mason, and everyone showed signs of improvement. Hopefully we can now go to their place and get the bonus point and who knows even grab the win. We all like the track there and there is no reason why we can't do both. At the start of the season you always have to blow the cobwebs out and the more experienced rider you are the more you tend to change things. I did that but now I have gone back to basics and feel back on song."

David Mason got his side off to a fine start with a tapes-to-tapes victory to help claim a 4-2 but in the next heat fellow Wildcat George Piper lost control entering the first bend and caused Day to fall and damage his bike. Piper was excluded but in the re-run the Spitfires failed to take advantage. Leading into the first bend the Stoke pair looked well placed but Day overtook them both in a superb ride to limit the damage to a 3-3. The next race saw the Wildcats claim their first maximum with Nathan Irwin and Lee Smart comfortably seeing off Sam Dore and Kriss Irving. Leading 12-6 the hosts then continued their impressive start with a win for Karl Mason in heat four. Day started well but a fine passing move by John Branney split the Wildcats duo.

A mechanical problem that caused Irwin's bike to momentarily catch fire on the start line in heat five meant he had to start from 15 metres back in the re-run. Thankfully for the home supporters Smart held off Barrie Evans to win and protect his side's eight-point advantage. The visitors needed something special to try and break the Wildcats' hold on the meeting and in the next race John Branney produced a fantastic ride to snatch victory on the line. The talented rider passed both David Mason and Hurst on the final lap after the hosts looked on course for a 5-1. But still the deficit remained eight points.

The Spitfires then finally recorded their first heat advantage in seven with Evans taking the win in a 4-2. Piper withdrew from the meeting due to his earlier fall so Day stepped in as reserve but could only come fourth. In heat eight Weymouth reclaimed dominance with Hurst and Day grabbing a 5-1 but in the next race Branney once again impressed, leading Irwin before the action was stopped due to safety reasons after Smart and David Haigh both fell. A 3-2 was awarded to the Spitfires by the referee. Branney came out on top again in heat 10, which saw the away side capture their first 5-1 to cut the Wildcats' lead to 32-27. Hurst pushed Dore all the way but fell on the final bend.

Weymouth hit back with two 4-2s with Karl Mason and Smart capturing their second wins of the night increasing their lead to nine points with three heats remaining. The Spitfires desperately needed a positive result in heat 13 but Branney and Evans had to settle for fourth and third respectively as Karl Mason and race winner David Mason grabbed their side a 5-1. Dore took a tactical ride in the penultimate race but it ended in a 4-4 with Irwin claiming first and Day third. Heat 15 was won by Evans but it was too little too late.
 

CATS DUO READY FOR TREBLE BID
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 25th May 2007
THE Weymouth Doonan Wildcats have received a huge boost ahead of their Bank Holiday Bonanza with the news that two of their riders have recovered from knocks. Both Lee Smart and Sam Hurst suffered heavy falls in last Saturday's narrow Conference League home defeat against the Scunthorpe Scorpions but they have now declared themselves fit for the rigours of three meetings in four days. The Wildcats will accept nothing but victory tonight when they continue their league campaign with a clash against the Stoke SAS Spitfires at the Wessex Stadium. The Radipole Lane outfit beat Stoke 54-32 in the Knockout Cup on April 20 and they will be looking for an identical performance. However, the Spitfires will be at full strength with Jack Hargreaves due to play a leading role. He missed his side's last visit to the South Coast because of a back injury.

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "I am confident we will see a home victory tonight. The team is raring to go and after such a close meeting with the Scorpions they are brimming with confidence. Lee Smart and Sam Hurst suffered knocks during last Saturday's meeting with Scunthorpe but both have recovered and are ready for the weekend's hectic schedule. Spectators have been treated to some exhilarating racing this season with four last-heat deciders in six team meetings so far which can't be bad."

Tomorrow the Wildcats will enjoy a day off before travelling to Derbyshire to take on the Buxton Hitmen in a Knockout Cup second round first-leg encounter on Sunday. Wildcats' away team manager Jem Dicken said: "Buxton is a tricky track. It is on a slope and gives the Hitmen a considerable amount of home track advantage but I am confident that we can get a result with the team we have. It probably isn't on Sam Hurst's list of favourite tracks though after he suffered a broken leg whilst riding in the Academy League back in 2005. However, Sam just pulls on his helmet and gets on with it."

On Monday the Wildcats will head back south to the Hoddesdon home of the Rye House Raiders for another Conference League encounter. Wildcats skipper David Mason will be expected to lead from the front in that one. He rode for the Raiders between 1999 and 2003 and he also won the Conference League Riders Championship at the Hoddesdon circuit in 2001. Bartlett said: "After last week's disappointment at the cancellation of our meeting at Oxford, we are really looking forward to our meetings this weekend because all the teams are very evenly matched."

Tonight the Wessex Stadium gates will open at 6.30pm with tapes up at 7.15pm.
 

A LOOK BACK & FORWARD
By Weymouth Wildcats ~ Wednesday 23rd May 2007
A busy weekend for the Doonan’s Wildcats kicked off with the quartet of Lee smart, Nathan Irwin, Sam Hurst and Karl Mason heading down to Plymouths St Boniface Arena for the Conference League Four Team Tournament. The following day Weymouth entertained the 2006 Conference League Champions and newly crowned Conference League Fours title holders Scunthorpe at the Wessex Stadium for our first League match of 2007.

The general consensus of opinion was that the Fours would be a two horse race between the home club, the Plymouth Devils and the mighty Scorpions. This indeed turned out to be the case and the big two Conference League teams really didn't disappoint their supporters with Scunthorpe pipping Plymouth at the post with the Doonan's Wildcats beating the rest to finish a very creditable third.

The following day saw the Wildcats play host to the reigning Conference League Champions – Scunthorpe - in a closely fought battle in which the visitors were 21-9 up at one point. Undeterred, the Doonan’s Wildcats rallied and a 5-1 by Nathan Irwin and Rider of the Night, Terry Day forced yet another last heat decider at the Wessex. Unfortunately, the awesome Josh Auty and his magnificent flying machine were just to hot to handle in this race. Wildcats captain David Mason chased hard in second and with Byron Bekker picking up a point for third the Scorpions celebrated their second victory in as many days with the points finishing 48 to 44.

Sundays encounter away to Oxford was postponed due to a waterlogged track.

This coming Friday the Conference League action continues as the Doonan’s Wildcats welcome back the Stoke SAS Spitfires. The home side will be hoping to emulate their previous performance against the Spitfires which saw the Wildcats knock out the Spitfires in the first round of the Knock-Out Cup.

The Wildcats hectic schedule continues and another busy weekend beckons for the team and management with a long trip to Derbyshire on Sunday for a Knock-Out Cup second round clash with the Buxton Hitmen. Bank Holiday Monday and a trip east to Hertfordshire for more League action against the high flying Rye House Raiders sees an end to the Wildcats meetings for May. On June the 1st the battle for a place in the next round of the Knock Out Cup reaches its climax when the Hitmen visit the Wessex Stadium for the return leg of the second round encounter. The following week, Friday the 8th of June the action will be in the form of a Best Pairs Challenge meeting.
 

AWESOME AUTY DEFIES THE CATS
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Monday 21st May 2007
WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS 44 SCUNTHORPE SCORPIONS 48
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats boss Phil Bartlett praised the way his riders fought back from a slow start to take the title-holders to a last-heat decider at the Wessex Stadium. The Scorpions went 21-9 up at one stage but the Doonans Wildcats then stepped up a gear to cut the deficit to only two points going into the final race. An injury to Lee Smart meant Karl Mason teamed up with skipper David Mason but Josh Auty wrapped up his superb individual performance by taking the win for the visitors. The Redcar rider top-scored with 17 points from his six races.

Bartlett said: "Lee Smart went home injured after heat 13. He signed out of the meeting and had he been fit I would have put him back in 15. With David Mason and Lee we may well have got the 5-1 we needed but it wasn't to be. They did the damage at the start although we did fight back and the fact we took it to a last-heat decider was a great effort. They are favourites to win the league this season and I think we can take some pride from our performance." Of Auty's incredible display, Bartlett added: "He was absolutely flying so fair play to him."

David Mason kicked the meeting off with a commanding tapes-to-tapes victory in a shared heat one but in the next the Wildcats had a nightmare. Terry Day was excluded for touching the tapes and had to go off 15 metres before George Piper was excluded for unfair riding after causing Scott Richardson to fall on turn three. In the third re-run Day fought hard to split the Scunthorpe pair but he was unable stop them from capturing a 5-1. In heat three Auty fought off Smart to help increase the visitors' lead to 12-6 and that was followed by another Scorpions maximum with Byron Bekker and Joe Haines doing the business.

The match was seemingly slipping away fast from the hosts as Smart went head-to-head with Auty again in heat five. The Scunthorpe man came out on top in a 4-2 that saw Richie Dennis come third. Desperate to cut the deficit, David Mason took a tactical ride in the next race and finished second behind Richardson with Sam Hurst in third for a 5-3. Auty was then excluded for touching the tapes in heat seven and had to start off 15 metres but he still managed to come second, sandwiched between winner Karl Mason and third-placed Piper.

With the score 26-18 in the Scorpions' favour it was vital the Wildcats kept up the pressure but in heat eight Hurst fell on the third bend and was excluded while in the lead. With Day also in second it was clearly an opportunity missed. In the re-run Day led from the front to limit the damage by finishing clear of Haines and Dennis. The hosts claimed another 4-2 in the next with Nathan Irwin taking victory with Smart in third and that was followed by four shared heats, taking the score to 43-37. Weymouth needed a maximum in heat 14 to stand any chance of winning and Irwin and Day provided it with fantastic rides to see off Haines and Richardson respectively.

David Mason and Karl Mason fought hard in the last heat but Auty once again proved his dominance with a comfortable win. Bekker finished third. The Wildcats were due to visit Oxford yesterday in their second Conference League fixture of the campaign but the meeting was called off. Bartlett said: "It got called off in the morning due to a burst pipe that waterlogged the track. Now we'll have to wait for it to be rearranged, no date has been set as yet."
 

WILDCATS READY TO TOPPLE CHAMPIONS
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 19th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcat Karl Mason is revved up for tonight's Conference League opener against the Scunthorpe Scor-pions at the Wessex Stad-ium (tapes up at 7.15pm). The talented rider, who scored ten points in last Saturday's Challenge Match victory over the Exeter Falcons, is confident his side are capable of toppling the 2006 champions, who are favourites to retain their crown. Mason said: "They are probably everyone's favourites to win it and on paper they look the strongest team in the league but we have all been going well at home and hopefully we can turn them over."

In-order to overcome the Scorpions, Mason believes it is vital that his team produce the goods in the first five heats. He said: "We need to start well. Against Stoke in the Knockout Cup we got in front quickly and put the pressure on them and we need to do that against Scun-thorpe instead of getting into it after a couple of races like we normally tend do."

Mason starred for the Wildcats in last night's Conference Four-Team Tournament at Plymouth's St Boniface Arena and tomorrow he will travel to Oxford for Wey-mouth's first away league meeting. He said: "It is a very busy weekend and it means a lot of late nights and early mornings getting the equipment ready but I can't grumble. I am scoring my average at the moment and like everyone else I am just trying to get rid of the gremlins. I have had a few troubles with bikes but hopefully I will start scoring more soon. I will get there eventually."

The Scorpions will be without Tai Woffinden, Benji Compton and Andrew Tully who will all be on Premier League duty so it is no wonder why a full-strength Weymouth fancy their chances. Wildcats' duo Nathan Irwin and Terry Day travelled to Scunthorpe last Sunday where they were due to guest for the nomadic Wimbledon Dons but the match was called off.

The homeless Dons are touring this season and they already have several challenge meetings lined up all over the country. Their next meeting is on June 24 at Buxton, which is just three days before they visit Weymouth. Day said: "It was a real shame the meeting was cancelled. The track looked great and the riders were really looking forward to getting out there to do the business. "It was a 570-mile round trip for us, which in the end just turned out to be a day trip to Scunthorpe - but that's speedway for you."

Tonight's meeting is the second of the club's Family Fun Nights with games and activities for the kids. A family of four can purchase a ticket for £30, which includes snack food, drinks from the Cats Whiskers Bar, a soft drink for the children and a matchday programme. Gates open at 6pm.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Hurst, 3 Smart, 4 Irwin, 5 K Mason, 6 Piper, 7 Day.
Scorpions: 1 Dennis 2 R/R, 3 Auty, 4 Anderson, 5 Becker, 6 Richardson, 7 Haines.
 

SCORPIONS HAVE TOO MUCH STING FOR CATS
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 19th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats managed a battling third place in the Conference League Fours at Ply-mouth last night in a meeting that finished amid controversy. Scunthorpe Scorpions and Plymouth Devils, who were the two dominant sides of the evening, went into the last heat of the final tied on 16 points apiece. But when Plymouth's previously unbeaten Nicki Glanz tried to dive underneath Byron Bekker on the first bend of lap two, Bekker hit the deck and Glanz was excluded, leaving the Scorpions effectively as champions, with the re-run still to come. The home fans were incensed by the decision of referee Stuart Wilson and they hurled abuse at the Scunthorpe riders as they celebrated on the track. It was a dramatic ending to an otherwise fairly uneventful night, with Scunthorpe and Plymouth both living up to their pre-meeting billing as favourites by qualifying comfortably from their respective semi-finals.

The main interest centred around who would join them in the final, with Buxton edging out Oxford in the first semi-final, and Weymouth eventually finishing second in their semi on 11 points, ahead of Cleveland and Boston, after a rather mixed start to the meeting. They were not helped by Nathan Irwin breaking the tapes in heat four and having to start off a 15-metre handicap, but the turning point for the Wildcats came in heat five of their group. Lee Smart, returning to the track where he rode so successfully for Plymouth last season, fought his way past Mark Burrows on lap one, and then hunted down Devils' skipper Seemond Stephens, catching him on the line in thrilling fashion.

Sam Hurst also played his part with a useful four points, which could have been more but for a fine overtaking move by Devils' Tom Brown after a terrific scrap in heat six, while Karl Mason contributed two third places. Weymouth briefly threatened to sneak into second place in the final after Smart's battling ride behind Adam Roynon in heat two, but they failed to finish in the top two in the remaining six heats, consigning them to adistant third overall, but three points ahead of Buxton.

Tai Woffinden was the star of the evening, winning all four of his races for the Scorpions and breaking the St Boniface Arena track record in the firstsemi-final with a time of 51.07 seconds. Roynon also finished with maximum points from his four rides, but Plymouth paid for an off-night for Stephens.
 

BONIFACE BID FOR FAB FOUR
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 18th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats' manager Jem Dicken has sent out a warning to his side's Conference League rivals ahead of tonight's Four-Team Tournament at Plymouth Devils' St Boniface Arena by saying that his riders "won't be there just to make up the numbers." The last time the Doonans Wildcats raced at the Devon circuit was on May 4 when the Devils thumped them 60-34 in the Conference Trophy but Dicken believes his men have nothing to fear. Flying the flag for Weymouth will be the quartet of Lee Smart, Nathan Irwin, Sam Hurst and Karl Mason.

Dicken said: Lee, Sam, Nathan and Karl are all very exciting and talented riders and won't be there just to make up the numbers. There is a certain amount of rivalry between us and the Devils and being drawn in the same group as Plymouth will no doubt motivate the lads even more. "The Devils and the Scunthorpe Scorpions are definitely the favourites for this meeting but we won it in 2005 and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could pull off a surprise victory."

Ex-Plymouth rider Smart is expected to be the talisman for the Wildcats. The 19-year-old scored 12 points from six races in the Conference Trophy defeat at the St Boniface Arena and he has been in fine form. In last week's Challenge Match against the Exeter Falcons at the Wessex Stadium he racked up another 11 points with Mason adding ten.

Dicken said: "Lee is in fine form and has so far been really good this year. He is really keen to progress in the sport. He gets his head down, does not moan about anything and just goes out and does the business. "He has also got a good crew behind him. His Dad has a lot of knowledge and that is also rubbing off on the rest of the team. I think the fact Lee also rides in the Premier League is helping. It's a lot quicker and you have got to have better machinery. He is also gaining more experience about different tracks and conditions."

Of the rest of the team, Dicken added: "Karl has had a couple of meetings where he has had two good rides and two bad ones. Last week against Exeter he had a couple of steaming rides and hopefully he can continue that form. As well as Lee, Nathan Irwin has also been a revelation so far this season. He has been the find of the year so far and is in great form. Sam has struggled a bit more but he is really enthusiastic and has had some good races of late. If everything clicks we should do well."

The Wildcats have two other meetings this weekend. Tomorrow they will host title favourites Scunthorpe at the Wessex Stadium in their first Conference League match of the season. They will then travel to Oxford in the same competition on Sunday.

Four-Team Tournament Group 1: Scunthorpe, Buxton, Oxford, Sittingbourne Group 2: Plymouth, Cleveland, Boston, Weymouth.
 

WILDCATS REVVED UP FOR WEEKEND TREBLE BID
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Wednesday 16th May 2007
Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett is confident that his riders will revel in this weekend's packed fixture list. The Weymouth quartet of Lee Smart, Nathan Irwin, Sam Hurst and Karl Mason will travel to Plymouth's St Boniface Arena on Friday night to compete in the Conference League Four-Team Trophy before returning to the Wessex Stadium the following evening for a league opener against title-holders Scunthorpe. Their busy schedule will then be completed on Sunday with another league clash at Oxford.

Bartlett said: "The riders are used to doing meetings on the bounce and if they start well on Friday there is no doubt that their confidence will be riding high for the other two. Friday is all about coming second or third not just about winning. As long as the riders use their heads and make sure they score points in every race then we will have every chance of getting through to the final. All the teams are quite strong and even, although Plymouth will obviously be favourites because they will have home advantage. Scunthorpe are also expected to be strong but anything can happen in speedway so there is no reason why we cannot challenge."

Saturday's meeting with Scunthorpe is the second of the Wildcats' Family Fun Nights. Face painting, photographs with the riders and a bouncy castle will all be on offer in what promises to be a fine evening of entertainment. The £30 ticket includes admission for a family of four, snack food for all the family, a drink for the parents in the Cats Whiskers Bar, a soft drink for the kids and a match-day programme. The meeting will start at 7.15pm but the gates will be open from 6pm. A Wildcats' spokesman said: "We are asking people to get here early to take advantage of the entertainment as well as get the chance to have a look around the pits and meet the riders."
 

BUSY WEEKEND FOR WILDCATS
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Tuesday 15th May 2007
It's a busy end to the week for the Wildcats with a return to Plymouth's St Boniface Arena on Friday night for Conference League Four Team Trophy action. The Wildcats won the Fours Title back in 2005 so will be hoping for a good result on their return to 4TT action after taking a year out in 2006.

The teams line up as follows:
Group 1: Scunthorpe, Buxton, Oxford, Sittingbourne
Group 2: Plymouth, Stoke, Boston, Weymouth

It's the second 'Family Fun Night' on Saturday down at the Wessex Stadium as the Wildcats return to home ground to start their 2007 Conference League campaign against Scunthorpe, the 2006 Champions. Phil Bartlett Wildcats Chairman said "Scunthorpe are a very strong team and have got to be the bookies favourite to take the league this year but I'm convinced if the guys come out firing on all cylinders then we have the potential to pull off a surprise."

These Saturday meetings are an all inclusive family fun night deal! A bouncy castle, face painting, photographs with the riders and games will all be on offer. Families can purchase this special 'Family all-in-one Ticket' for just £30 for the selected Saturday night meetings. The ticket includes admission for a family of four, snack food for all the family, a drink for Mum and Dad from the Cats Whiskers Bar, a soft drink for the kids and match day programme. We are hoping these Saturday 'Family Fun Nights' will give the whole family an inexpensive night out by offering fantastic value and a brilliant night of entertainment for everyone.

The meeting starts at 7.15 as usual but gates will be open at 6.00pm and we are asking people to get here early to take advantage of the entertainment as well as get the chance to have look round the pits and meet the riders.

Come Sunday and its back on the road for the Wildcats in their third meeting in as many days as they face the Oxford Lions in the Conference League. After a heavy defeat in their first away match of the season to the Lions away manager Jem Dicken is hoping for a strong performance to banish the away meeting jinx that has blighted the Wildcats so far this season.
 

GOOD TO BE BACK
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 12th May 2007
ELITE League rider Lewis Bridger turned out for the Exeter Falcons and smashed the Wessex Stadium track record in a thrilling Challenge Match against his former club Weymouth Wildcats last night. The meeting initially looked in doubt due to the wet weather but all 15 heats were completed and there were some fine performances as the hosts snatched a 45-44 success. Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett said: "Tonight proved that we can get through a meeting even when the weather is against us. The crowd was not as big as previous meetings and that was a shame because the ones that were not here missed something special. Lewis rode at number one for Exeter after we managed to get him clearance and he was superb, beating the track record Ben Barker set last year by 0.6 seconds with a time of 52.2. To knock off over half a second is a great achievement, so fair play to him. Lee Smart also performed well again for us but we had no reserves for the second half of the meeting after George Piper hit the fence and damaged his clutch, and Terry Day blew an engine."

Bridger, who now rides for Eastbourne, beat the track record in heat one but even with him on board, the Falcons were unable to tame the Wildcats. Nathan Irwin took the lead in the first turn but by the time the riders got to the second Bridger had hit the front and in trademark style he did not stop there, stretching his lead in commanding style to smash Barker's previous best. Heat two was called back at the first attempt when Wildcat Adam Filmer, who lined up for Exeter, went down in the first bend. Day hit the front in the re-run with team-mate Piper backing him up but Filmer fought back and got into second place before falling and being excluded. With no other Exeter rider in the heat, the race was awarded 5-0 to the hosts. Heat three and that man Bridger was back. Wildcat Lee Smart beat the Eastbourne star out of the gate but could not hold him off as he went on to claim his second win of the night.

The following race turned into a bit of a mammoth heat, requiring three restarts before the result could be declared. Day missed the two-minute warning and was replaced by Piper who, along with Filmer, both then suffered exclusions. That left Karl Mason and Andre Cross to compete for the points and it was the former that came out on top. Bridger led Smart home in heat five before heats six and seven were shared. Cross won after David Mason fell on the third lap before Karl Mason took the next after overhauling Tom Brown at the start of the second lap. The Wildcats then found their form recording two successive 5-1s with Irwin and Day and Smart and Sam Hurst doing the damage. David Mason took heat 10 after a fall and a retirement from Brown and that prompted a tactical ride from Bridger in the next.

With both Wildcats' reserves suffering mechanical problems, the hosts had no second rider and it looked like the Falcons were on course for an 8-1 until Karl Mason battled back from third spot to claim second ahead of Rob Smith. Trailing by seven points, Exeter began to mount some pressure on Weymouth. Brown went on to claim three wins in the last four heats with Bridger taking the other but thanks to fine riding by Karl Mason in heat 13 and Hurst in heat 14 the Wildcats stayed in control. Exeter required a 5-1 in the final heat to win the meeting but although Brown won it Smart managed to hold off Bridger to claim second spot. The new track record holder made a desperate lunge on the final bend and caused the Wildcat to fall. The referee excluded Bridger and with Karl Mason having retired, rewarded a 3-2 to the Falcons - but it was not enough.
 

CATS GUNNING FOR FALCONS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 11th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats will be looking to restore some pride when they roar into local derby action for the second week running against the homeless Exeter Falcons at the Wessex Stadium tonight (7.15pm). The Doonans Wildcats are keen to bounce back in style after suffering two successive Conference Trophy defeats against the Plymouth Devils last week. The last time they lost to the Falcons was in 1983 in the National League Cup final.

Jem Dicken, away team manager of the Wildcats, said: "It was always going to be tough against a strong Devils side and yet again our away meeting curse decided to join us on our relatively short trip to Plymouth's St Boniface Arena. In the first heat Nathan Irwin snapped a spark plug while in second place, something that no one in the pits had ever previously witnessed. And in heat two Terry Day, who has been on top form recently, decided three quarters of a lap was enough before hitting the fence and then retiring from the meeting on medical grounds. Lee Smart then touched the tapes and was placed off 15 metres in the third but managed to peg back Tom Brown, who laid his bike down, due to team-mate Dan Blake locking up in front of him. However, Lee was then excluded as the cause of Tom's dismount."

The return leg against the Devils took place at the Wessex Stadium last Saturday and it was far more evenly contested with a last heat decider that eventually went the way of the visitors. Wildcats' commercial director Robin Spicer said: "We had our best crowd so far this year and the atmosphere was buzzing. The Plymouth fans were fantastic and were treated to some spectacular races and hopefully many will return this season."

One man that did not fire in the second leg was Wildcats' skipper David Mason who claimed only five paid one. The talented rider will no doubt be looking to regain some form tonight. Weymouth will make one change to their line-up with George Piper coming in at number six, replacing Adam Filmer who will guest for the Falcons alongside fellow Wildcat Jamie Westacott.

Falcons' owner Allen Trump, who is forging ahead with plans to see his team back on track by 2008, said: "Everything has now been submitted to Teignbridge Council apart from the ecology report which, because of the bird survey, can't be finished until the middle of August. Hopefully once it's sent, it will then just be a question of waiting for the decision, which we hope will be an approval. The key to running next season is an early decision. As you know from your experiences at Weymouth the planning process can drag on and, bearing in mind that at best we will only have six months to put the track and surroundings in, we really do need a decision as soon as possible. The other problem, which I know Phil Bartlett (Wildcats' chairman) has struggled with as well, is getting a decent team together when most riders are fixed up."

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Irwin, 3 Smart, 4 Hurst, 5 K Mason, 6 Piper, 7 Day.
Falcons: 1 Fry, 2 Smith, 3 Gomez, 4 Westacott, 5 Cross, 6 Pickard, 7 Filmer.

Fans will get an added bonus tonight when former Weymouth star Lewis Bridger takes to the track after the meeting. The Elite League rider, who is now with Eastbourne, is looking forward to reacquainting himself with the Wessex Stadium circuit and the Wildcats' fans.
 

FALCONS FLY IN
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Wednesday 9th May 2007
Weymouth Wildcats step into local derby action for the second week running when they entertain the currently homeless Exeter Falcons this Friday the 11th May. It is nearly 25 years since the Wildcats lost to the Falcons in the 1983 National League Cup Final and, on the back of two consecutive defeats at the hands of the super strong Plymouth Devils, the Wildcats will be hoping to restore some pride.

Jem Dicken Wildcats away team manager said, “It was always going to be tough against a strong Devils side and yet again our away meeting curse decided to join us on our relatively short trip to Plymouths’ St Boniface Arena. In the first heat Nathan Irwin snapped a spark plug whilst in second place, something that no one in the pits had ever previously witnessed. Heat 2 and Terry Day who has been on top form recently decided three quarters of a lap was enough before hitting the fence and then retired from the meeting on medical grounds. Lee Smart touched the tapes and was placed off 15 meters in the third but managed to peg back Tom Brown, who laid his bike down, due to team mate Dan Blake locking up in front of him with Lee then excluded as the cause of Toms dismount”.

However, it was a far more evenly contested return leg the following evening back at the Wessex with a last heat decider which unfortunately went the way of the Devils. Robin Spicer Commercial Director for the Wildcats said, “We had the best crowd so far this year and the atmosphere was buzzing. The Plymouth fans were fantastic and were treated to some spectacular races and hopefully many will return this season. Several riders gave up their time to hand out flyers and chat to the public in Weymouth town centre on Saturday to draw attention to the first of our Saturday Family Fun Night meetings”.

Looking forward to this weeks meeting Falcons’ owner Allen Trump is forging ahead with plans to see the team back on track by 2008, "Everything has now been submitted to Teignbridge Council apart from the ecology report which, because of the bird survey can't be finished until the middle of August. Hopefully once it’s sent it will then just be a question of waiting for the decision - which we hope will be an approval. The key to running next season is an early decision. As you know from your experience here at Weymouth the planning process can drag on and, bearing in mind that at best we'll only have six months to put the track and surroundings in, we really do need a decision as soon as possible after the application goes in. The other problem which I know Phil has struggled with as well is getting a decent team together when most riders are fixed up”.

The expected line ups for Friday are as follows:

Weymouth Wildcats ; 1 David Mason, 2 Nathan Irwin, 3 Lee Smart, 4 Sam Hurst, 5 Karl Mason, 6 George Piper, 7 Terry Day
Exeter Falcons Select ; 1 Paul Fry, 2 Rob Smith, 3 Tim Gomez, 4 Jamie Westacott, 5 Andre Cross, 6 Jamie Pickard, 7 Adam Filmer
 

CATS ON THE RIGHT TRACK
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Wednesday 9th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats' skipper David Mason has responded to comments made about him by club chairman Phil Bartlett. In his post-meeting interview with Echosport after last Saturday's Conference Trophy defeat against the Plymouth Devils, Bartlett accused his captain of whingeing' about the track conditions at the Wessex Stadium but it now seems the issue was just a "misunderstanding." Mason said: "I am voicing for five other riders that are not happy and being captain I have a responsibility and their safety in my hands.

"Phil Bartlett's comments were incorrect and maybe there should be more communication about track preparation between Weymouth Speedway and its captain because different types of riders require different track conditions. I hope the comments have not upset or brushed away any of my sponsors and supporters and I hope they can continue to support Weymouth Speedway and myself in the future. The comments are a total misunderstanding."

Despite losing against the Devils, Mason believes the club should remain optimistic over the coming weeks. He added: "We are just trying to settle down and once all seven of us click I will feel sorry for the people on the end of it because they are going to get a right hammering. Apart from the loss last Saturday we have performed very well at home and showed a lot of potential. We have a good set up here and we have now just got to go out and produce the goods on the track on a more consistent basis, and I think we will achieve that in the not too distant future."

The Wildcats host the Exeter Falcons in a challenge match on Friday. Speaking about the track, Bartlett said: "We are trying hard to get it right for the riders and the public. We can't keep showering the crowd with dust and that is why it has to be wetted but perhaps it was too moist last Saturday. It will get sorted though. We have a crop sprayer coming and hopefully that will help the riders' cause."
 

CATS CAN'T STOP THE DEVILS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 7th May 2007
Conference Trophy WEYMOUTH DOONANS WILDCATS 44 PLYMOUTH DEVILS 48 (Devils win 108-78 on aggregate).
A BUMPER crowd packed the Wessex Stadium to witness one of the best-contested speedway meetings ever to be held at the South Coast venue. This local derby saw the Wildcats up against one of the fancied teams for silverware this season and following the previous evening's nightmare loss at Plymouth by 60-34, the hosts turned the pressure on right from heat one.

The opening race proved a surprise in what was to become a bad day at the office for Wildcats' skipper David Mason, who finished third behind his Devils' counterpart Seemond Stevens and race winner and team-mate Nathan Irwin. The hugely talented Devils' reserve Nicki Glanz, son of former Danish star Peter, showed real class and determination throughout the meeting starting with a heat two victory while Terry Day fought a hard second turn to overcome the visitors' other reserve Jamie Pickard.

The deadlock was then broken in heat three with a tapes to tapes victory for Lee Smart with former Wildcat Tom Brown splitting the home pair leaving Sam Hurst battling hard in third. Straight away the Devils hit back with maximum points from heat four with Brown in as rider replacement paired with Glanz with a tapes to tapes victory. Three heat advantages for the Devils followed with Stevens taking two heat wins and Brown one to give the Devils an eight-point advantage after seven heats. Hurst had a hard tussle with Stevens before hitting the deck on the first turn of heat five. All four riders were brought back after an unsatisfactory start and in the re-run Irwin slid off with nowhere to go after being three abreast around the second bend with Stevens and David Mason. Adam Filmer and Dan Blake then had a coming together resulting in the latter pulling onto the centre green and Filmer being excluded as the cause.

Heat eight saw Wildcats' manager Phil Bartlett hand a tactical ride to Smart, who was up against it from 15 metres back. Irwin made the gate heading Glanz until the third lap where the Plymouth rider flew into the lead. Smart, who had already disposed of Nicky Mallett, passed his team-mate and chased down Glanz only to lose out by less than a bike's length. Smart was at his best again in heat nine backed up well by Hurst after a restarted heat following a tumble from Glanz. The deficit was now down to a mere two points.

Heat 10 was shared with Brown again heading both Irwin and Mason before Devils' team manager Derek Davey handed a reserve ride to Glanz who backed his team-mate Stevens all the way to stretch their lead to six points after both Wildcats missed the gate. Brown was in the thick of the action again in heat 12, heading home Smart who tried everything but could not get past in a shared race. The hosts then claimed a glimmer of hope in heat 13 when both Masons sandwiched Stevens to grab a couple of points back. Unfortunately Glanz was again in fine form in heat 14, taking the win ahead of Day and Hurst. In the next race, Smart headed the Devils' pair of Stevens and Glanz after passing both with stylish manoeuvres.

One bright point that came from the meeting was the performance of Lee Smart. The ex-Plymouth star won rider of the night and also made a successful first defence of his Bronze Helmet against the Devils' Nicki Glanz. Smart, who scored 17 points, said: "I'd like to keep hold of the helmet for the rest of the season because the extra money helps and comes in useful. It's handy that I will be defending the helmet here at Weymouth after winning it away, it's something extra for the fans."

The derby ended with a Bronze Helmet race between Smart and Glanz. The Wildcat won the Helmet at Oxford just under a month ago and his first defence went like clockwork. Bartlett was full of praise for Smart. He said: "He won the Bronze Helmet race by nearly half a lap and he has been absolutely brilliant recently. "Nicki Glanz was a Premier League rider last year with Newport and to give him credit he rode very well on Saturday but really he should not be a reserve in a Conference team and that is why they won the meeting."
 

DEVILS IN CHARGE
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 5th May 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats team manager Jem Dicken believes there are a "few scores to settle" tonight when the Plymouth Devils visit the Wessex Stadium in the Conference Trophy. The Devonians hammered the Doonans Wildcats 60-34 last night at the St Boniface Arena but Dicken is confident his side will set the record straight in the return. Everything that could have gone wrong last night for the Wildcats did. As well as suffering mechanical problems and being the victims of debatable refereeing decisions, the Radipole Lane outfit also lost Terry Day to injury in only the second heat of the evening.

Dicken said: "All the bad luck we could have experienced we had. We had dodgy refereeing decisions go against us, mechanical problems, and Terry Day fell off in his first race and could take no further part in the meeting. He was a little shaken but he is not badly injured and will be out looking to make amends tonight. Lee Smart was excluded in a race when he should not have been and both him and Adam Filmer fell in races where they were both placed. The track was a bit bumpy and Plymouth certainly made home advantage count so basically it was not a very good day at the office. We went down here expecting to come away with the win but nothing went right. We have now got to make up 26 points to get the bonus point and it is possible. If we all click and Plymouth have the same type of bad luck we had last night then who knows. We will win the meeting tonight there is no doubt about that, it is just whether we can make up that deficit. All the lads are looking forward to it because there are a few scores to settle."

The victory keeps Plymouth on course to finish top of the Southern section. They lead the three-team group and require just one win from their final two meetings to book a place in the final. Adam Roynon had a successful debut for the Devils with a paid maximum while Nicki Glanz again proved the trump card at reserve. He scored 17 (paid 19) points from his seven rides, being beaten only by former Plymouth favourite Smart in heats 12 and 15. Devils' skipper Seemond Stephens was on course for a 15-point maximum until suffering defeat by Smart, who nipped past him on the final bend in heat 15. Former Wildcat Tom Brown also had another successful meeting, dropping only two points to the opposition while Smart and Karl Mason were the only race winners for the visitors.

The Wildcats never really recovered from losing Day in heat two. The talented rider was third when he hit a bump that pushed him hard into the fence. He led motionless for a moment but after some attention he was able to walk back to the pits where he was later withdrawn from the meeting on medical advice. Following on from that, the Wildcats then suffered double disaster in heat three when Smart was excluded for touching the tapes. He was put back 15 metres but he caught his opponents up only to be excluded for unfair riding when he clipped the back wheel of Brown, who had locked up to avoid hitting his team-mate. Heat nine saw Karl Mason become the Wildcats' first heat winner before Smart was again in the thick of the action in the following race. The Birmingham rider battled hard with Glanz and coming into the third turn of the final lap he tried an inside pass which was anticipated by the Plymouth man, who drove hard and tight into the turn blocking his opponent's move. That forced Smart to lay it down, and his disappointment was compounded when Glanz came round on his victory lap and made a hand gesture at him. Two heats later Smart bounced back with a win but again Glanz tried to bully the visiting rider by chasing after him and spraying him with shale after the race had finished. The Wildcat then got a little bit of revenge by taking heat 15, the final race of the night.
 

IT'S BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 4th May 2007
Plymouth return for Cats' chief WEYMOUTH Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett has admitted that the gloves will be off tonight when he takes his side to his former club the Plymouth Devils (7.15pm). Bartlett was team manager at the Devon outfit last season and he feels that his knowledge of the St Boniface Arena track and the Devils' side will help his riders. The Conference Trophy clash will see Plymouth travel to the Wessex Stadium tomorrow for the second leg. It is the first time the two teams have met in a competitive clash for 39 years. Bartlett said: "I feel proud to have been a part of the Devils' success last year in their first season back after their time in the wilderness. They won a place in the Conference League play-offs only to be beaten by the awesome Scunthorpe Scorpions. How-ever, it is gloves off time and we will be all out to beat them. For us to get through in the Trophy we need to win both legs it is as simple as that. Terry Day and Adam Filmer have never ridden there before but hopefully my knowledge of things down there will help."

The 1968 meeting between the two clubs was held at the old Wessex Stadium on a Sunday afternoon and there were only 13 heats. Weymouth came out on top 42-36 but Plymouth gained revenge in the return match a week later with a 41-36 success. Wildcats' timekeeper Derek Smith-son said: "The meeting at the old Wessex Stadium in 1968 was my first-ever one. I was 15 and went along with a couple of school friends. It was scheduled for the week before but it got rained off so they re-arranged it for June 2 and I have actually still got the programme. "It is unbelievable that it has taken 39 years for both teams to meet each other again. I got hooked on the sport after that and I have not missed a meeting since."

Weymouth will make one change to their line-up with Adam Filmer replacing George Piper. Lee Smart, who rode for Plymouth last season, will particularly be looking forward to the clash. Talented teenager Adam Roynon will make his official debut for the Devils. The 18-year-old has made a rapid return from a broken collarbone that he suffered in a challenge match against the USA Dream Team on April 13. He raced in Saturday's British Under-21 final at Eastbourne and he also featured for Premier League side Rye House on Sunday and Monday.

Plymouth chairman Mike Bowden said: "Both sides are looking forward to the big local derby. Weymouth are bringing a lot of supporters down here and we will be taking a large following to their place for the return match on Saturday evening." In addition to the inclusion of Roynon, the Devils will also move Tim Webster to reserve while Dan Blake takes over at number four. Former Wildcat Tom Brown will also be riding for Plymouth.

Weymouth: 1 D Mason, 2 Irwin, 3 Smart, 4 Hurst, 5 K Mason, 6 Filmer, 7 Day.
Plymouth: 1 Seemond Stevens, 2 Unknown, 3 Tom Brown, 4 Dan Blake, 5 Adam Roynon R/R, 6 Jamie Pickard, 7 Nicki Glanz.

Tomorrow night's meeting will see the Wildcats' first Family Fun Night with special group tickets on sale offering discounts on the evening's entertainment. This will include a bouncy castle, face painting, photographs with the riders, and games. The £30 ticket includes admission for a family of four, snacks for all the family, a drink from the Cats Whiskers Bar, a soft drink for the children and matchday programme. The meeting starts at 7.15pm but the gates will open at 6pm.

A collection was held for Oxford rider Adam Wrathall during last Friday night's meeting against the Lions at the Wessex Stadium and £370 was raised. The youngster is making a steady recovery after suffering a horrific crash in the Easter Sunday meeting between the two sides. A Wildcats' spokesman said: "A big thank you goes out to everyone who generously donated to Adam's cause."
 

DEVIL OF A DERBY
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Wednesday 2nd May 2007
It's 39 years since Plymouth and Weymouth last met in anger. Back then at the old Wessex Stadium the Wildcats were the Eagles, meetings were held on Sunday afternoons and there were only 13 heats - Weymouth came out on top with a 42 to 36 points victory. However, the return match a week later saw the Devils take their revenge with a 41- 36 reversal. Speedway has obviously changed over the years but the rivalry remains as strong as ever and I think if you asked anyone if there was one team they want to beat this season it would definitely be Plymouth.

Weymouth Wildcats chairman, Phil Bartlett, has close connections with the Devonshire club since he acted as their team manager last season. "I feel proud to have been a part of the Devils success in their first season back after their time in the wilderness. They won a place in the Conference League play-offs only to be beaten by the awesome Scunthorpe Scorpions. However, it is gloves off time and we will be all out to beat them".

Saturday 5th May 2007 Weymouth Doonan Wildcats v Plymouth Devils - Start Time 7.15pm

Line ups as follows:

Weymouth: 1. David Mason, 2. Nathan Irwin, 3. Lee Smart, 4. Sam Hurst, 5. Karl Mason, 6. Adam Filmer, 7. Terry Day
Plymouth: 1. Seemond Stevens, 2. Unknown, 3. Tom Brown, 4. Dan Blake, 5. Adam Roynon R/R, 6. Jamie Pickard, 7. Nicki Glanz
 

RED-HOT CATS' TOUCH OF OF CLASS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 30th June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett was full of praise for his riders after they recorded their fifth win on the spin with a fantastic performance at the Wessex Stadium last night. The hosts recorded eight heat maximums and were totally dominant in a spectacular display of team riding that saw Jay Herne (15+3) and Lee Smart (12+2) once again at their very best. Bartlett said: "I have been waiting for them all to click at the same meeting and tonight they did exactly like that. If we carry on with those types of performances then we will stuff more teams and this place will become a fortress. We are not just in this league to make up the numbers. We are in it to win it and at least are looking to get in those play-offs. Everyone chipped in and we looked like a real team out there. Lee Smart was class and there is no doubt that the signing of Jay has lifted everyone."

Coming into the meeting off the back of last Saturday's 57-33 thrashing of the Cleveland Bays, the Wildcats were clearly in the mood to continue their fantastic form. Boston won the toss and chose gates three and one in the first heat and that caused the hosts to immediately make a reserve change, drafting in Australian ace Herne for Sam Hurst. Unfortunately for the Poole Pirates loanee he was forced to retire after Barracuda Rob Smith seemed to cut him up on the second bend on the second lap. The referee let it go and thankfully for the Wildcats David Mason took the win. Like a true pro Herne put that disappointment behind him and responded superbly in the following race with a comfortable tapes-to-tapes win ahead of team-mate Terry Day to secure the hosts a 5-1.

Another maximum for the Wildcats followed in heat three with Nathan Irwin leading Smart home but the Barracudas responded in the next clash with Matt Wright grabbing his side's first heat victory in a 4-2. It would have been worse for the Wildcats had their skipper Karl Mason not pulled off a great overtaking manoeuvre to overhaul Carl McDade on the second lap. Irwin was excluded in heat five for delaying the start so Herne took his place alongside Smart. The Wildcats duo did not disappoint, leading Boston pair James Brundle and Rob Smith from start to finish. Smart was the man who crossed the line first.

That maximum made the progressive score 20-10 to the Wildcats and it was no surprise to see Boston hand Wright a tactical ride in the very next heat. Wright took his second win to claim six points but David Mason and Hurst limited the damage by finishing second and third respectively. Karl Mason took heat seven with Herne in second before Bartlett's men claimed another maximum through Day and Hurst to increase their advantage to 33-18. The only visiting rider who looked on form during the meeting was Wright. He gated superbly in heat nine to make it three wins out of three but the points were shared with Smart and Irwin taking second and third. It was the same story in the next race with Darren Mallett leading the Barracudas home ahead of David Mason and Hurst.

But just when it seemed that the Wildcats had taken their foot off the gas, Herne led them home in another maximum ahead of Karl Mason in heat 11 making the score 44-25. Day and Smart then recorded another 5-1 before the Barracudas hit back with a 5-1 of their own. The visitors then deployed Brundle as a tactical sub in heat 14. Starting off 15 metres, Brundle fought desperately to track down Irwin but the Wildcat held on to third behind Lambert and winner Herne to give the hosts a 4-2. Leading 54-33 going into the final heat Weymouth wrapped up the result in style with Smart and Herne recording another maximum.
 

WILDCATS WARNING
By Adam Summers, DorsetEcho ~ Friday 29th June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett has warned his side's Conference League rivals that there is still more to come from his riders. Bartlett watched his men claim their fourth win on the spin last Saturday with a 57-33 thumping of the Cleveland Bays but he still feels they can go up another gear. He said: "I was absolutely delighted with our performance against the Bays last Saturday. All the riders contributed and there was some brilliant racing despite the scoreline. "It's early days yet but I am confident we can earn a place in the play-offs. I still don't think we have seen the best of some of our riders." The Wildcats entertain the Boston Barracudas tonight at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm start, gates open 6pm) before heading to King's Lynn for the return leg on Sunday.

Currently lying in third place in the Conference, the Radi- pole Lane outfit will be keen to continue their winning streak in-order to put pressure on leaders Scunthorpe and second-placed Plymouth. Away team manager Jem Dicken said: "The King's Lynn circuit is a totally different ball game to our tight track but we have a couple of riders who are more than accustomed to the larger circuits. Former Barracuda Nathan Irwin and Australian Jay Herne have both practised on the larger tracks and I am hoping they can draw on their previous experience and lead the way to another Wildcats victory."

The Doonan Wildcats have added to their fixture list with an Inter-League Challenge against Premier League team the Isle of Wight Islanders. The fixture will be run over two legs with the first being staged at the Isle of Wight on Tuesday, July 10. The second leg will take place at the Wessex Stadium the following Friday.

Wildcats: 1 David Mason, 2 Sam Hurst, 3 Lee Smart, 4 Nathan Irwin, 5 Karl Mason, 6 Jay Herne, 7 Terry Day.
Barracudas: 1 James Brundle, 2 Rob Smith, 3 Darren Mallett, 4 Simon Lambert, 5 Matt Wright, 6 Adam Lowe, 7 Cal McDade.
 

BARRACUDAS BRAVE BUOYANT WILDCATS
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Wednesday 27th June 2007
After their comprehensive 57-33 whipping of the Cleveland Bays last Saturday, racing returns to Friday nights as the Boston Barracuda's brave the Wessex Stadium for more exciting Conference League action. The Doonan Wildcats will hope to continue their rich vein of form, particularly after conquering the Plymouth Devils and the Cleveland Bays in their last two home fixtures. Currently lying in third place in the Conference League behind table toppers Scunthorpe, and second placed Plymouth, confidence runs high in the Wildcats camp.

Chairman, Phil Bartlett said "I am absolutely delighted with the team's performance against the Bays on Saturday. All the riders contributed and there was some brilliant racing despite the score line. It's early days yet but I am confident we can attain a place in the play-offs, I still don't think we have seen the best of some of our riders!"

It's a hectic weekend for the Wildcats as they head across country to King's Lynn for the return leg with Boston this Sunday the 1st of July. Away team manager Jem Dicken added, "The King's Lynn circuit is a totally different ball game to Weymouth's tight track but, we have a couple of riders who are more than accustomed to the larger circuits. Former Barracuda, Nathan Irwin and Aussie, Jay Herne are both practiced on the larger tracks and I am hoping they can draw on their previous experience and lead the way to another Wildcats victory."

The Doonans Wildcats have added to their fixture list with an Inter-League Challenge against Premier League Club the Isle of Wight Islanders. It will be run over two legs, the first of which will be at the Isle of Wight on Tuesday the 10th of July and the home fixture on Friday the 13th of July.

The line up for Friday's meeting are as follows:-

Weymouth Doonan Wildcats: 1 David Mason, 2 Sam Hurst, 3 Lee Smart, 4 Nathan Irwin, 5 Karl Mason (C), 6 Jay Herne, 7 Terry Day
Boston Barracudas: 1 James Brundle, 2 Rob Smith, 3 Darren Mallett, 4 Simon Lambert, 5 Matt Wright, 6 Adam Lowe, 7 Cal McDade
 

CLINICAL CATS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 25th June 2007
WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS 57 v 33 CLEVELAND BAYS
WILDCATS boss Phil Bartlett claimed it was purely a matter of time before Weymouth gave one of their Conference League rivals "a real hiding". And his promise came true on Saturday night, after an impressive 57-33 domination of Cleveland at the Wessex Stadium. Despite missing number one Lee Smart, who was racing for Birmingham, the home side covered for his absence well. Four Wildcats racers were paid for double figures on a night, when David Mason made a welcome return to form, scoring 12 paid 15 points.

And following their success, Bartlett has backed his boys to launch an assault on the Conference League play-off places. He said: "I have been saying for a while that once the boys gelled and worked as a team; they were going to give someone a real hiding. Cleveland pushed Plymouth hard on Friday night in Devon and only lost by eight points down there. So it was a fantastic result and it sends a big message out that we are not just making up numbers is this league. Now it's down to us to keep this up and chase for the play-offs."

Cleveland did not leave Radipole Lane empty handed, though, as Gary Beaton claimed Jay Herne's unbeaten streak in the Conference League. Beaton inflicted the 22-year-old's first loss by an opposition rider in heat eight, when he relegated the Aussie to third spot. Herne never gave up and pushed hard to join partner David Mason at the front. However, Beaton chopped his nose off on the penultimate turn and charged home to settle matters.

This did not take away from the fact that Herne made four incredible starts, from which he recorded four unstoppable wins. Two of these came, while partnering David Mason in races 10 and 15. Going into this meeting, the veteran had been temporarily relieved of the Weymouth captaincy to allow him to concentrate on his own efforts. But after the 28-year-old notched his second biggest return of 2007, Bartlett was delighted his decision to give Karl Mason the responsibilities paid dividends.

He added: "We have taken the captaincy off Dave for a month to let him focus on his rides. The man hasn't been scoring up to his usual standards for a while and even he will admit that. So I have taken the pressure off of him by giving the job to Karl. All Dave has to do is just ride the bike and Saturday night proved the move has worked."
 

WILDCATS OUT TO BLITZ BAYS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 23rd June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats promoter Phil Bartlett is backing his side to finally gel together and claim a "big" Conference League win tonight against the Cleveland Bays at the Wessex Stadium (7.30pm). The Wildcats beat the Plymouth Devils last Friday thanks mainly to magnificent rides from Poole Pirates loanee Jay Herne and Lee Smart but Bartlett wants to see all his riders firing at the same time. He said: "Hopefully we will get a good result tonight. I want to be the best team and I believe this is the meeting when all the boys will gel together. We will be without Lee Smart who will be riding for Birmingham but we will still be looking for a big win and hopefully that will be what we get."

Herne scored an incredible 20 paid 21-point maximum on his Conference League debut against the Devils and Bartlett is expecting more of the same from the Australian sensation. He said: "If he can repeat last week's performance it would just prove that he is not just a one hit wonder. I do not believe he is, I believe he is the real deal."

Skipper David Mason, who has been struggling for form so far this season, is also revved up for tonight. The talented rider had a practice session at Sittingbourne this week where he tinkered with his bike set up - he is now raring to go and full of confidence. Bartlett said: "David has fitted a new grand prix clutch to his bike to get him out of the gates quicker and he has changed his set up. "He was flying at Sittingbourne. Dan Giffard, who used to ride for us but is now with Premier League side Redcar, was there and he was helping him get back to the form we all know he is capable of. Hopefully he will lead the team with a bang tonight."

The Wildcats defeated the Bays 58-32 in a Conference Shield match last year so the visitors will be out for revenge. The familiar face of Mark Buzz' Burrows will make his return to the Wessex for Cleveland. The popular rider had to sit out last season following the closure of his previous club the Wimbledon Dons. Burrows always tends to puts on a show at the Radipole Lane circuit but he faces a tough opponent in Herne. Tonight's meeting is another in the series of Family Fun Nights. Families can purchase a special all-in-one ticket for £30 (a saving of approximately £15).

Wildcats: 1 David Mason, 2 R/R, 3 Karl Mason, 4 Sam Hurst, 5 Nathan Irwin, 6 Jay Herne, 7 Terry Day.
Cleveland: 1 Mark Burrows, 2 Gary Beaton, 3 Jitendra Duffill, 4 Rusty Hodgson, 5 Adam McKinna, 6 Martin Emerson, 7 Greg Blair.
 

BARTLETT BUOYED BY BUSH
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 22nd June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' boss Phil Bartlett believes Mel Bush's takeover of Weymouth Football Club sounds "encouraging for speedway in the town." The Wildcats lease their Radipole Lane circuit from the Terras and Bartlett is looking forward to forming a good working relationship with the music promoter. During the Press conference announcing Bush's takeover, Bartlett put the Terras' new owner on the spot, asking him what his takeover will mean for the future of the Wildcats and he was impressed with his response.

Bartlett said: "From what he said it seems to be encouraging. He realised the revenue potential of the club and he has been to Poole speedway several times so I am looking forward to forming a good relationship with him. He has now flown off to America and hopefully we will meet up when he gets back."

Speaking about the Wildcats, Bush said: "Speedway seems to be pretty popular down here. It is another attraction for the town and there is no doubt that both clubs can feed off each other."

The Wildcats will be back in action tomorrow night when they host the Cleveland Bays in the Conference League. All eyes will be on Poole Pirates loanee Jay Herne to see if he can continue his dominance of the Radipole Lane circuit. In last Friday's win over the Plymouth Devils the Australian sensation scored an incredible 20 paid 21-point maximum on his Conference League debut. The Wildcats were due to visit Boston tonight in a league encounter but this meeting has been cancelled with the re-staging set for July 1.
 

AWESOME HERNE
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 18th June 2007
WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS 48 v 44 PLYMOUTH DEVILS
WILDCATS' sensation Jay Herne notched a phenomenal 20 paid 21 point maximum on his Conference League bow and admitted "it was all like a dream." In what must rank as one of league speedway's greatest ever debuts, the Aussie led Weymouth to a vital 48-44 home victory over near neighbours Plymouth on Saturday night. Despite taking seven rides, Herne's gating was simply electrifying as he left the Devils for dead at the tapes with seven precision starts. Given that it was only his second appearance at the Wessex Stadium, Herne has clearly taken to the circuit like a duck to water.

But the Ringwood-based man admits he never thought his evening would go quite so swimmingly. He said: "Well, I didn't expect my debut to be quite like that! I didn't think I'd have seven rides and I certainly didn't think I would get a paid maximum. In my first race I had a few nerves but when they said I was out again straight away in heat three, the adrenaline just kicked in. I didn't have time to think because I spent the whole night going in and out of the pits."

Given that he is new to Conference racing, Herne found it hard to take in that he had just destroyed one of the league's toughest sides. He added: "I don't know any of the riders' names or which teams to look out for in this division. So I just go into each heat, looking at which gate I'm off and I don't think about the other riders. But now that I know Plymouth is such a strong team, this gives me a lot of confidence for the future."

While Herne was busy winning legions of fans, his team mate Lee Smart also impressed with a 14 paid 15 point maximum from five outings. However, he made much harder work of it than Herne. In race three, he scorched around Tom Brown with a daring move on turn four. Smart then hunted down Plymouth top gun Seemond Stevens for three laps, before shooting round him with half a lap left in heat five. Comfortable victories followed in races nine and 12 but Smart took to the dirt again in heat 15 to pass Adam Roynon and seal the points for Weymouth.

It is very rare to see such a strong visiting team defeated with only two riders recording big totals. And given that Sam Hurst and Terry Day uncharacteristically failed to score, this illustrated the magnitude of Herne and Smart's scores.
 

WILDCATS DEVIL DERBY DOUBLE
by Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Thursday 14th June 2007
The Doonans Wildcats head into battle against local adversaries the Plymouth Devils for a derby double this week in the Conference League. With memories of the two defeats dished out in the Conference Trophy still fresh, victory would be oh so sweet for the Wildcats should they pull off a surprise win. The first leg takes place at the Devils St Boniface Arena on Friday the 15th with the return fixture the following day on Saturday 16th at the Wildcats Radipole Lane circuit.

Doonans Wildcats away team manager Jem Dicken said, "It's never going to be easy beating the Devils on their home turf but, if the Wildcats can all pull together as a team, I think things could be pretty close. This season we have been very inconsistent and I can't think of one meeting where the whole team has all performed to their potential in the same meeting. There have been some outstanding individual performances - but I just need the lads to put it all together".

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said that new recruit Jay Herne would be involved in both ties, and would still be using the bike he borrowed from Poole Pirate Craig Boyce, which has served him well since his loan move from Wimborne Road. Bartlett added: "Last week we saw Jay Herne show us he can handle the smaller tracks with a very promising debut at the Wessex Stadium. If he adapts as well at Plymouth it could be a very interesting meeting and the return leg could very well end in upset for the ultra confident Devils. They are a strong team and it's not going to be an easy task, the return leg should be very interesting. Hopefully everybody will be on song and we'll see a strong win at home and even take the bonus point. It's time for the boys to show what they can do."

The Wildcats are expecting a large crowd this Saturday with a large contingency of travelling fans making the trip up from Plymouth. It's another Family Fun Night with discounted tickets and kids entertainment at the Wessex with gates opening at 6pm.

Next week it's another Saturday meeting and Family Fun Night with the Doonans Wildcats hitting the road on the Friday the 22nd as they make the trek up to Norfolk to take on the Boston Barracudas. The home meeting on Saturday the 23rd is against Conference League newcomers - the Cleveland Bays who are led by their hugely entertaining captain Mark "Buzz" Burrows who returns to the Wessex after a two year absence.
 

DEBUT BOY HERNE WAS A STAR - BARTLETT
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 9th June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett was full of praise for new-signing Jay Herne after he scored 10 paid two in a scintillating Best Pairs meeting at the Wessex Stadium last night. The Poole Pirate, who signed on loan for the Radipole Lane outfit last week, was making his first ever appearance at the Wessex Stadium and his impressive starts and steady handling made him an instant hit with the home fans. Bartlett said: "It was most enjoyable and a great meeting. There were some excellent races and some fine performances. Jay was a star and hopefully we can get him riding for us against Plymouth in the Conference League next week. He is very quick out of the blocks and when you consider he had never rode the track before it makes his performance even better. Hopefully he will be able to do the same riding in the reserve berth against the Devils."

Australian Herne raced for Kangaroos who finished third behind Isle of Wight Select and meeting winners Nathan Irwin and Lee Smart of Weymouth B. Brendan Johnson, another Pirate, made his professional debut and showed a lot of potential alongside his Weymouth A colleague and Wildcats skipper David Mason.

In heat one Weymouth A shared the points with the Isle of Wight pairing of Andrew Bargh and Sam Martin. Mason took the lead in the opening stages but Bargh reeled him in and finished a comfortable winner. Johnson looked edgy but comfortably held off Martin. It was Herne's turn to make his Wessex Stadium bow in heat two and he got off to a flier. The Pirate led into the third bend but he went wide entering the home straight allowing Irwin and Smart through to claim a 5-1. Wildcat Sam Hurst was excluded in heat three for not making the two-minute time allowance but he was allowed to start off 15 metres. The Newport Select rider tried to catch third-placed Andre Cross of Wimbledon but he was unable to pass him. Hurst's team-mate Karl Mason took the honours ahead of fellow Wildcat Terry Day.

Martin took heat four in impressive fashion ahead of Irwin and Smart before Day passed David Mason to take the win in heat five. Herne produced another fantastic start in the following race and this time he made no mistake with an impressive tapes-to-tapes win. His Kangaroos colleague Kyle Hughes finished third behind Karl Mason. With everyone having had two races Weymouth B were the leaders with eight points and they continued their dominance in heat seven with a 5-1 over Wimbledon.

Herne was quick out of the blocks for a third time in heat eight but Bargh fought back and pulled off a great overtaking manoeuvre for Isle of Wight Select. In the end the win was awarded to Bargh after Martin had fallen. David Mason looked certain for victory in heat nine but once again one of his fellow Wildcats beat him to the chequered flag with a fine pass. The man who produced the goods this time was Karl Mason whose team-mate Hurst scored his first point of the evening to ensure a 4-2. Bargh took the next race before David Mason took a tumble on turn three in heat 11 and suffered the unfortunate occurrence of his own bike coming back to clout him while he was on the floor. Mason's exclusion handed Kangaroos a 5-1 in the re-run with Hughes finishing ahead of Herne.

Weymouth B and Newport Select experienced a shared heat in race 12 but with one more round of heats to go it was Irwin and Smart who still led the pack with a total of 16 points. Kangaroos with 13 and Newport with 12 were their nearest rivals. Kangaroos did their hopes for victory the world of good with a 5-1 over Wimbledon in heat 13 and that meant Weymouth B needed three points from the final race to beat them. Smart and Irwin did better than that scoring a maximum. In the penultimate heat Isle of Wight pairing Bargh and Martin had also grabbed a 5-1 to draw level on points with Kangaroos prompting a run-off for second place. Bargh took the win in a 3-3 so his side finished runners-up.
 

PIRATES PAIR SEEK PRIZE AT WESSEX
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 8th June 2007
THERE will be a double debut at the Wessex Stadium tonight in what promises to be an intriguing Best Pairs meeting. Weymouth Doonan Wildcats' new signing Jay Herne will experience the Radipole Lane circuit for the first time while 15-year-old Poole Pirates' mascot Brendan Johnson will make his first professional appearance. Johnson celebrated his birthday on Monday and he can now officially ride in the Conference League. He is already well known among the Weymouth supporters and he is paired with Wildcats' skipper David Mason. Herne, who hails from Sydney, completed a loan switch from the Pirates last week and he will no doubt be looking to impress his new club alongside his racing partner for the evening Kyle Hughes.

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "We have attracted a fantastic line-up of riders and with another fine weather forecast this is not a meeting to be missed. It will be very interesting to see how Jay and Brendan get on and I know both of them are very much looking forward it. We are again running our buy one, get one free offer in the Echo which was hugely popular last week and it was great to see a lot of new faces in the crowd who will hopefully return."

Commercial manager Robin Spicer added: "Speedway has suffered a bit of a decline of late with many clubs unable to get planning permission or falling crowd numbers leading to clubs being financially unsustainable. At Weymouth we feel that we have got it just about right and the club is certainly heading in the right direction. Crowd figures are up on previous years and the hard work that has gone into promoting the club is starting to pay dividends although we are still a long way from where we would like to be."

Also among the line-up tonight will be Wildcats Lee Smart, Nathan Irwin, Karl Mason, Sam Hurst and Terry Day. Day scored 14 paid three in last week's 51-45 win over the Buxton Hitmen in the Conference League Knockout Cup and he will no doubt be looking to continue that scintillating form. Gates open at 6pm with the first race at 7.15pm.

Line-up:
Weymouth A - David Mason and Brendan Johnson;
Isle of Wight - Andrew Bargh and Sam Martin;
Weymouth B - Lee Smart and Nathan Irwin;
Kangaroos - Jay Herne and Kyle Hughes;
Newport - Karl Mason and Sam Hurst;
Wimbledon - Terry Day and Andre Cross.
 

DAY DREAM
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 7th June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' reserve Terry Day is in the form of his career and has set his sights on the Premier League. The former British Under-16 champion scored 14 paid three in last Friday's 51-45 second round first leg success over the Buxton Hitmen in the Conference League Knockout Cup and he is determined to carry on improving. Day said: "It is going really well. I have been a bit more laid back lately and I have had a lot of help from Geoff Wiltshire who used to work at Weymouth.

"Although I feel more settled I am still not going to be happy until I am scoring 15-point maximums and I will continue to work hard to achieve that. My aim this season is to build as much confidence as possible and then just see what happens next season when hopefully I will get some guest appearances in the Premier League. That is what I am aiming for." Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett expressed last week that Day may have to be elevated to the top five if he continues to post such good scores and carries on increasing his average. Day added: "I want to keep progressing and if I have to give up my reserve slot to do that then I will give it up."

The Wildcats recently secured the loan signing of Poole Pirates youngster Jay Herne and Day believes he will make a good impact despite not knowing much about him. He said: "All I know is that he works for fellow Pirate Craig Boyce and that he has guested in the Premier League before. It should be interesting to see how he gets on because we have been struggling a bit at number six with people breaking down and crashing." Herne will make his first appearance for the Wildcats in the Best Pairs meeting at the Wessex Stadium tomorrow (7.15pm) when Day hopes to continue his form. He said: "There will be no pressure on me whatsoever tomorrow so I will be aiming to concentrate more on my starts because that is where I am losing out at the moment."

After an inconsistent start to the season the Wildcats are now on a high after winning two meetings on the spin. Day believes his side has turned a corner but he also feels more work needs to be done. He said: "We have settled a bit now and we are all getting along well. We have a strong side and we just need to put it all together at the same time. "One rider performs one week and another performs the next. If we can all start performing at the same time then we will be very difficult to stop."
 

WILDCATS SNAP UP AUSSIE ACE HERNE
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Monday 4th June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats have added to their 2007 squad by securing the services of Australian youngster Jay Herne. Although the 22-year-old hails from Campbell Town in Sydney, he has an English mother and a British passport, which allows him a two-point average and makes him eligible to ride in the Conference League. He also heralds from a racing family. His father Phil turned out for the Bristol Bulldogs, Birmingham and Swindon, and was part of the victorious Australian team in the 1976 World Team Speedway Championship, and his brother Lee once had spells at Newport and Arena Essex.

Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett said: "Jay lives in Ringwood with fellow Aussies Jason Doyle and Tom Hedley and he has been signed as an asset by Poole Pirates and loaned out to us as part of his development during the season. It is a cracking acquisition for us and I am confident he will do really well. The Pirates have been at the top of the sport for a long time and the fact they have signed him proves his potential. We have a good working relationship with Poole and I would like to thank Matt Ford and Michael Golding for making this move happen."

Jay Herne currently works for Pirates star Craig Boyce, assisting him with cleaning bikes and building engines. He said: "Craig has been fantastic. He has given me a bike, Kevlar's, boots, the lot and I am very grateful for all his help as all my kit including my bike is back in Australia. I am really looking forward to riding at Weymouth. I have only ridden in a couple of meetings so far over here for Somerset, once at Edinburgh and in a second half, so I'm hoping, if things go well, to try to find myself a Premier League spot by the end of the season. I must admit the tracks in Australia are all big and I was a little surprised to hear Weymouth's track is only 223 metres long, so it will be a fantastic chance to hone my skills on a smaller track."

Jay Herne's best track achievement to date was a third place in the 2006 Australian Long Track Championships behind Chris Holder and Cory Gathercole. The talented rider will make his debut in Friday's Best Pairs meeting at the Wessex Stadium.
 

GLASGOW SECURE CARDIFF FOOD OFFER FOR FANS
By Kirstie Adam on behalf of Derek Smith STARS ~ Sunday 3rd June 2007
As the result of a fruitful business association secured by the Glasgow STARs supporters group with the TigerTiger bar/restaurant venue in the City, now every speedway fan in the country will be able to cash in on a discount offer being provided by the TigerTiger chain.

The initial idea of STARs chairman Derek Smith, TigerTiger in Cardiff have agreed to run a special British GP promotion offering speedway fans a very impressive 25% dicount on all food orders over the weekend of Friday 29th June, Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July.

This offer is only available at TigerTiger in Cardiff (The Friary, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3QB) pre-bookings can be made via 029 2039 1944 or online at www.tigertiger-cardiff.co.uk. Supporters must show their GP tickets in order to claim the discount.

Restaurant manager Rachael Seymour is looking forward to welcoming speedway fans to TigerTiger: "We know that the annual GP event in the City is a fun day out for speedway fans from all over the UK and beyond, we wanted to help contribute to the enjoyment by inviting fans to come and experience some hospitality TigerTiger style."
 

SUPER WILDCATS HAVE A GREAT DAY
By Paul Burbidge, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 2nd June 2007
WILDCATS co-promoter Phil Bartlett saluted the stamina of high-scoring reserve Terry Day, after he led Weymouth to a 51-45 triumph over Buxton last night. The 22-year-old bagged at least a paid second place in each of his seven outings to notch 14 paid 17 points in the Conference League Knock-Out Cup first leg clash. It was the second meeting running that Day was forced to take his maximum quota of races, as the Poole-born star covered for concussed racer George Piper last week. This time he deputised for another concussion victim, Adam Filmer, following the youngster’s first bend tangle with Carl Belfield in race seven. But Day showed few signs of tiredness, as he picked up a colossal score, which is set to send his points average rocketing.

And Bartlett admits he will struggle to keep Terry at reserve for much longer if he continues his hot streak. The Doonan’s Wildcats supremo said: “Terry had seven rides again and had a fantastic night. He earned the Rider of the Night award again and it’s anyone’s guess how many more times he’ll win it. Terry has been forced to step up to the plate and is banging in the points for us every week. I’m not quite sure how long I will be able to keep him at reserve, though. The boy may end up racing in the top five soon because his average will be too high for him to race in the bottom two.”

Day picked up the first of his two race wins in heat two. He piled the pressure on former Wildcat Lewis Dallaway and slipped up his rival’s inside on the penultimate bend. A hard-fought 5-1 with Karl Mason followed in heat four, before he replaced Filmer, when the 20-year- old was unable to compete in the rerun of heat seven. Filmer smashed into the first bend fence, after Belfield straight-lined the corner and left the Weymouth man with nowhere to go. The home rider’s bike had to be carried from the circuit as the front was completely buckled. And after being checked over by the paramedic, Filmer was signed out of the action, leaving Day as Weymouth’s only fit reserve. The number seven was forced to settle for second places behind Buxton revelation Jack Roberts in his next two races, heats eight and eleven.

Day got back to winning ways in race 12, leading an impressive 5-1 with partner Lee Smart. But he fell victim to Roberts in heat 14, when the Hitman produced one of the Wessex Stadium rides of the season. With Jayne Moss’ team nine points in arrears, she gave her young pretender the chance to chase double points off a 15-metre handicap. After being slowed by partner Dallaway for two laps, Roberts charged up Day’s inside on the third lap, second bend. He then edged Irwin out and snatched an awesome victory on the penultimate turn.

A shared final heat was won by Smart, who joined Day in double figures with 10 paid 11. He could have had three more though as he retired with carburettor problems, while leading with half a lap left of race nine. This cost Wildcats a vital 5-1, which would have sent them to Buxton with a 10-point cushion for the return. And despite being content with the result, boss Bartlett knows his team has the deck stacked against them in the bid to reach the next round. He added: “It was another good home win, although I would have wanted a few more points to take to Buxton in the return leg. We’ve got it all to do up there but we’ll certainly give it our best shot.”
 

WILDCATS' KNOCKOUT CUP CALL FOR ADAM
By Adam Summers Dorset Echo ~ Friday 1st June 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats reserve Adam Filmer has been drafted in for tonight's Knockout Cup second round first leg clash with the Buxton Hitmen at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm). The 20-year-old will replace George Piper, who has been recovering from concussion this week after being forced to withdraw from last Friday's Conference League win over the Stoke Spitfires on medical advice.

The Wildcats were due to visit Buxton last Sunday for the first leg encounter but it was postponed due to wet weather. That meeting, which will now become the second leg, has not yet been re-arranged. Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett said: "It is imperative that we get a good result tonight as the Buxton track isn't the easiest of tracks to ride and the away match will now be the deciding leg. The lads rode well against Stoke last week and there was some fantastic racing from both teams."

As well as a big victory, Bartlett is hoping for another large attendance. The Dorset Echo, media partner of the Wildcats, is running a special ticket offer for tonight's meeting. Gates will open at the Wessex Stadium at 6pm.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Hurst, 3 Smart, 4 Irwin, 5 K Mason, 6 Filmer, 7 Day.
Hitmen: 1 James, 2 Roberts, 3 Taylor 4 Belfield, 5 Bethall, 6 Isherwood, 7 Dallaway.
 

SMART SORELY MISSED
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 30th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats away team manager Jem Dicken admitted after yesterday's 54-37 Conference League defeat at title rivals Scunthorpe that his side missed the presence of Lee Smart. Smart was instrumental in the Wildcats' 46-44 win at the Cleveland Bays on Saturday but yesterday he was on Premier League duty with Birmingham. He was sorely missed as the Scorpions moved back to the summit of the league with a comprehensive win in which Richie Dennis (14+1) and Joe Haines (14+1) both scored paid maximums.

Dicken said: "We did miss Lee there is no doubt about that but I thought all the other lads did well and pulled together which was good. To be honest I think we did better than we expected especially as we had a bit of bad luck. Jay Herne fell and smashed his bike up and hurt his wrist in heat six and Karl Mason pranged himself on the fence and injured his head and shoulder so all things considered we did not do too bad."

The Wildcats could not have got off to a better start as Karl Mason and Nathan Irwin were awarded a 5-0 in the opening heat after Tai Woffinden retired at the tapes and James Cockle fell. But the Scorpions soon responded and by heat six were 20-15 up. In fact after that first race defeat the hosts recorded nine straight victories that included two maximums. The Wildcats battled with Mason (9) and Mark Thompson (9) leading the response but the Scorpions proved too strong. After Mason and Herne recorded a 5-1 for the visitors in heat 11, the home side won the last four with three more maximums.

The previous day it was the dynamic duo of Smart (12) and Herne (11+1) that did the damage for the Wildcats in their 46-44 win at the Cleveland Bays. The visitors only trailed once in the clash, which went down to the final heat. Thankfully for Weymouth, Herne produced the goods to win the race ahead of Greg Blair (13) and Mark Burrows (11+1) to protect his side's two-point lead.

Dicken said: "Saturday's meeting was close all the way through really but we managed to pick up the win by two points which was very pleasing. Jay and Lee were excellent again and those boys who struggled turned things around today so I think we can take a lot of positives from the whole weekend. We are still in a good position in the league. We have to hope other results go our way over the next couple of weeks but we are still in with a great chance of making the play-offs."

As yet no home meeting has been confirmed for this coming Friday but Dicken is expecting an announcement to be made on that soon. He said: "Something is being arranged and we will be sorting that out in the next 24 hours."
 

RAIN-HIT WILDCATS POISED TO WIN AWAY
By Dorset Echo, ~ Saturday 28th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Wildcats boss Phil Bartlett is convinced his charges will record their first Conference League away victory of 2007 at Cleveland this evening. After seeing their challenge clash with Wimbledon rained off last night, the Dorset team face their longest trip of the year to compete at the Redcar track. Wildcats will be buoyed by a resounding 57-33 success over the Bays at the Wessex Stadium on June 23. Only veteran Mark Burrows and promising young gun Greg Blair truly troubled the Weymouth septet that night. And with a full-strength team, including leading light Lee Smart making the trip, Bartlett believes the points are well within his team's grasp.

He said: "We should be all right at Cleveland because the lads beat them by a handsome 24 points in Dorset. I'm very confident we can get a win at their place. The lads seemed to go well last time we went there, so I'm expecting big things." Wildcats' northern tour continues with a trip to championship favourites Scunthorpe on Sunday. This is a tough enough test at the best of times. However, Weymouth's job has been made even harder, as Smart is unavailable due to Birmingham's home clash with King's Lynn.

A realistic Bartlett added: "Winning at Scunthorpe will be a tough ask. It's a shame we haven't got Lee but I don't think many teams will go there at full strength and beat them anyway. "I know Mark Thompson likes Scunthorpe a lot and has only dropped a handful of points in the many times he has been there. So hopefully, he'll put in a big performance for us and this may help."

Bartlett's men were hoping to warm up for their gruelling weekend with a home challenge match against the travelling Wimbledon team last night. But consistent rain over the Wessex Stadium all afternoon forced Wildcats' first postponement of the season just 40 minutes from tapes-up. "The rain wasn't going away and it got heavier and heavier, which ultimately made the track unsafe," Bartlett said.
 

WILDCATS WARM UP FOR BUSY WEEKEND
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 27th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett believes tonight's challenge match against the Wimbledon Dons at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm) will provide a good work-out for his riders. The Wildcats face a Conference League double this weekend with a trip to the Cleveland Bays on Saturday (3pm) before a huge clash at reigning champions Scunthorpe on Sunday (3pm). Lee Smart will miss tonight's meeting due to Premier League duty with Birmingham while David Mason remains on the sidelines with a hand injury.

Bartlett said: "Although it's only a challenge match it will be a good chance for our guys to test themselves without any pressure on their shoulders. They can relax and just go out there and get some practice and confidence ahead of the weekend's league meetings which we need to do well in if we are going to push for first spot."

Jem Dicken, the Wildcats' away-team manager, is looking forward to his side's two league clashes this weekend and he is confident they can come home with two positive results. He said: "The team are looking forward to the northern tour and with several riders having engines returned from the tuners this week, hopefully our technical gremlins that have bugged us all season so far will not make the journey with us. I am confident we will be collecting the bonus point from Cleveland, and although we will be without Lee Smart at Scunthorpe, with Josh Auty also out for them, I think if our boys all ride to their potential we could pull off a surprise victory."

Weymouth: 1 K Mason, 2 Irwin, 3 Thompson, 4 Hurst, 5 Warwick, 6 Herne, 7 Day.
Wimbledon: 1 Burrows, 2 TBC, 3 Wright, 4 Cross, 5 Morton, 6 Newman, 7 Elliot.
 

WEYMOUTH RIDERS FALL SHORT AFTER TOUGH DRAW
By Dorset Echo ~ Monday 23rd July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats pairing Jay Herne and Lee Smart scored 19 points but it wasn't enough to get them past the group stages at the Conference League Pairs in Scunthorpe yesterday. The Wildcats were drawn in the tougher of the two groups alongside home team Scunthorpe, Boston, Rye House and Cleveland. In their first heat Smart and Herne took on Cleveland's best duo and picked up six points out of a possible seven. Instead of the 3-2-1 system in the league, points were given as 4-3-2. Smart came first with Herne in third.

The hosts got the better of Weymouth's riders in the next heat, Smart finished second to Tai Woffinden and Herne came last. The Wildcats took maximum points from their next race against Rye House, with Smart winning his second race of the day. In their final heat the Radipole Lane outfit needed to beat Boston and hope other results went their way. Neither happened and Boston won the final heat 6-3. Boston and, recent Wessex visitors, Oxford contested the final where Boston duo Paul Cooper and Simon Lambert claimed victory.

Herne, who despite having never seen the Scunthorpe track before, was disappointed with his performance. "I wasn't happy with what I scored and overall it was a bad meeting for me. I was hoping to do a bit better. One of the main problems was that I wasn't quick enough off the starts." Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett added: "We had a very strong group to start with so it was always going to be difficult. We came close but not close enough."
 

SMART RIDING WINS POINT FOR WLDCATS
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 21st July 2007
WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS 45 v 45 OXFORD CHEETAHS - OXFORD WIN BONUS POINT WITH AGGREGATE WIN 94-89
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats grabbed a 4-2 in the final heat to salvage a draw in their Conference League clash with Oxford at the Wessex Stadium last night. There was plenty of drama in the 15th heat as Jordan Frampton was excluded for unfair riding having sent Jay Herne to the dirt as he overtook the Australian. Also in the final race Lee Smart chased down Andrew Bargh to get himself into the lead so that when the race was awarded he ensured he kept up his unbeaten night. Had it not been for Smart (15) and Herne (14) the Wildcats could well have been on the end of a heavy defeat. Both Terry Day and Sam Hurst suffered mechanical difficulties and found themselves borrowing bikes to complete their races, such were the problems that the pair only managed to pick up four points between them.

The meeting started with each of the first three heats tied at 3-3. Then whenever the Wildcats got their noses in front Oxford replied immediately. In fact the Radipole Lane outfit only surrendered the overall lead on the night after heat 13. In heat eight Frampton received his first exclusion of the night, for cutting up Smart this time, which meant that the Wildcats' pair of Day and Smart were up against lone Cheetah Brendan Johnson. Smart was his usual commanding self, unfortunately though Day, riding Mark Thompson's bike, couldn't challenge Johnson for second place.

Had Weymouth been able to capitalise further in the following heat then the night's result may have panned out differently, but true to the evening's form the Cheetahs pulled out a 5-1 victory in which Johnson held off the close attentions of Thompson. Following defeat in heat 12 (2-4) the Wildcats gave away the lead in heat 13 with a maximum ride from Oxford's Lee Smethills and Danny Betson. With this hopes of a bonus point went out of the window, and Weymouth were in desperate need of victories from their final two rides to have any chance of winning the night's meeting. A victory from Herne in heat 14 and a third place finish for Hurst kept the Wildcats in it. Then came the 15th and final heat. Great riding from Smart, in gate three, enabled him to overtake Bargh on the second lap, and with Herne in third a draw looked likely.

Then Wildcats' hearts were in mouths as Frampton looked to go past Herne, but the Oxford rider's manoeuvre sent Herne down and referee Paul Carrington awarded the race in Weymouth's favour (4-2), thus clinching a draw for the home side. Oxford though secured the aggregate bonus point. Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett was happy enough with the draw. "In hindsight I'm happy with the point. "Oxford are a strong team so, given the mechanical gremlins we keep having, what we got out of tonight was the best we could have achieved. Lee and Jay were awesome for us and it was another frustrating night in other areas, but a draw is better than a loss."

Rider of the night Smart, who was only able to race because Birmingham's meeting was postponed, had mixed emotions. "Obviously I'm very happy with my own performance, to go the whole night unbeaten is a great achievement. It's just a shame we didn't get the win we hoped for. In the end it was good to get the draw."
 

CHEETAHS CHASE
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo, ~ Friday 20th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett is confident that his side can claim the all-important bonus point tonight when they attempt to overturn a five-point deficit against the Oxford Cheetahs at the Wessex Stadium (7.15pm). The Wildcats, who need a win to boost their ambition of finishing in the Conference League play-offs, were beaten 49-44 by the Cheetahs at the Sandy Lane Stadium last Sunday when they had to field a patched up team due to injuries to David Mason and Nathan Irwin. Both riders suffered their respective setbacks in an Inter-League Challenge match against Premier League side the Isle of Wight Islanders on July 13. David Mason slammed into a fence in heat 13 and broke several bones in his right hand while Irwin looped at the start of heat nine resulting in several cuts and grazes, as well as substantial bruising to his foot. David Mason is unlikely to return to action until the middle of next month whereas Irwin is expected to ride tonight.

David Mason said: "I have broken one metacarpal bone, two fingers and a knuckle in my right hand so I am facing about four weeks on the sidelines. The doctor said everything seems to be healing okay but I will know more on Tuesday after my check-up."

Of his foot, Irwin added: "I couldn't put any weight on it on Saturday but an X-ray showed no broken bones only soft tissue damage. It's been improving every day and I am confident that I will be able to ride against Oxford."

Irwin's presence in the Wildcats' line up could be crucial especially as they will be missing Lee Smart who will be on Premier League duty tonight with Birmingham. David Mason said: "Although I am not riding tonight I will be in the pits helping out where I can and I think we have a good chance of taking the three points. If we perform like I know we can, even without Lee Smart I think we could do it. We just need things to go our way. Oxford are a very strong team and several of their riders go exceptionally well at the Wessex Stadium so it should be another cracking meeting."

Mark Thompson was the man who stepped in for David Mason at Oxford and having had a previous spell with the Wildcats much will be expected from him tonight. He said: "My first spell with Weymouth in 2004 didn't get off to a great start after getting injured in my first meeting and this season has been rather frustrating at Mildenhall as well with six rain-offs. I also aggravated an injury against Glasgow at the beginning of July. I found it hard work at Oxford and will need a couple of meetings to return to match fitness after almost five weeks off but I am really excited to be returning to the Wessex Stadium. The riders down here have all said how much the track has improved this season and I am relishing the challenge of helping the Wildcats in their push for the play-offs. I have spoken with Karl Mason and Lee Smart regarding bike set-ups, as like them I like to get out in the dirt."

Local favourite Brendan Johnson signed for the Cheetahs on Sunday. The 15-year-old Poole lad knows the Radipole Lane track well and will certainly be one to watch.

Weymouth: 1 K Mason, 2 R/R, 3 Thompson, 4 Hurst, 5 Irwin, 6 Herne, 7 Day.
Oxford: 1 Smethills, 2 R/R, 3 Bargh, 4 Blake, 5 Betson, 6 Newman, 7 Johnson.

# Wildcats Jay Herne and Lee Smart travel to Scunthorpe on Sunday to take part in the Conference League Pairs (3pm).
 

WILDCATS CAN'T CATCH CHEETAHS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 16th July 2007
Conference League, OXFORD CHEETAHS 49 v 44 WEYMOUTH DOONAN WILDCATS
WILDCATS' Aussie sensation Jay Herne was in brilliant from as Weymouth came close to taking the Conference League points at Oxford last night. Herne took seven rides and notched up a superb 17-point tally against the Cheetahs, including wins in his opening four outings. Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett was singing his praises. "Jay was absolutely on top form, he was magnificent. He's been an important part of our team this season and he showed what a great rider he is." Herne received excellent support from Lee Smart, who chipped in with paid 13. Smart had been due to miss the meeting, however the lunchtime postponement of the Birmingham versus King's Lynn Premier Trophy Final clash left him free to ride for the Wildcats. New signing Mark Thompson - replacing injured skipper David Mason, who has broken two fingers - scored just paid five, and there were also slightly disappointing returns for captain Karl Mason (4), who was suffering from illness, and Terry Day (2).

The meeting did not get off to a great start for the Wildcats, although Herne won heat two by a street. Oxford held a 23-13 lead after six races, and Weymouth team manager Jem Dicken nominated Smart as a tactical ride in heat seven. It worked a treat, with Smart winning the race and Day in third for a 7-2 to the Wildcats. Back-to-back wins for Herne in heats eight and nine, backed with third places from Sam Hurst and Mason left the Wildcats just a point in arrears and suddenly it was all to play for.

Lee Smethills and Andrew Bargh took a 5-1 for the Cheetahs over Smart in heat 10. After a shared heat 11, Herne and Smart pegged back Jordan Frampton to take a 5-1 from heat 12, and again the Wildcats were just a point behind. Heat 13 saw the clash of the big guns from each side - Smethills and Herne. Smethills won the race to the first corner, then Danny Betson pushed inside Herne on the second bend. Herne flew back around Betson on the fourth bend, then reeled in Smethills, but Smethills held on to win from Herne by less than a bike length. Heat 14 was twice brought back after unsatisfactory first turns. Eventually Herne won from Brendan Johnson, with Day in third place. The Wildcats needed a 4-2 or 5-1 from heat 15 to snatch victory, but instead it was the Cheetahs who finished with a flourish. Smethills led all the way, while Bargh forced his way under a tiring Herne - taking his fourth race in succession - in a 5-1 to the Cheetahs.

The return fixture takes place at the Wessex Stadium on Friday (7.15pm), where the Wildcats will be looking not only for the win, but also the aggregate bonus point. Bartlett believes his side can do the job. "We've got a great chance of beating them at the Wessex, and we'll be looking to try and get that bonus point too. "The boys did really well. We're disappointed to lose but nevertheless we'll pick ourselves up and get ready for Friday. The boys showed great spirit to get themselves back into it. I have to praise the lads who came in at short notice. It's just a shame we couldn't take that final heat to snatch the win."

Away team manager Dicken is confident that Nathan Irwin will be back fit for Friday's return meeting. He said: "Nathan could be back as long as his recovery from last Friday's injury continues to go well."
 

A WIGHT WASHOUT
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 14th July 2007
Inter-League Challenge 2nd Leg: Weymouth Doonan Wildcats 32 v 49 Isle of Wight Islanders (match abandoned after 13 heats). Aggregate score 100-71 to Isle of Wight.
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats were beaten by both their opponents and the weather as their Inter-League Challenge match was abandoned after heat 13 because of heavy rain, leaving the score at 49-32 in favour of the Isle of Wight Islanders. The meeting also saw accidents to Wildcat riders David Mason and Nathan Irwin. Irwin came off his bike in heat nine after he raised his front wheel too high at the start causing him to fall back and injure his foot. It confirmed a bad day at the office for Irwin after scoring no points in his earlier two races. In heat 13 Mason appeared to go wide and hit the gas too hard causing him to slightly lose control and ride along the side of the track before falling off, landing on top of his bike in the process. Referee Allen then made the decision to end the match, but said that Mason's accident was not caused by the wet conditions.

Despite the return of Lee Smart to the line-up, the Wildcats never really looked like closing the gap on their opponents following Tuesday's first-leg deficit of 51-39. The Islanders were always quicker round the first bend, in fact Weymouth won just one of the 13 heats raced, Karl Mason claiming the only win of the night for the Wildcats with an impressive ride from gate four in heat four. The Radipole Lane outfit kept pace with the Premier League side in the first two heats, but the Islanders' quality began to show, with maximum scores in heats three, five, 10 and 13.

Aussie Cory Gathercole had a perfect night for the visitors as he finished first in each of his four races. Gathercole, who picked up 12 points, was not the only Islander to hit double figures. Gary Cottham, who failed to register a single point when he rode for Rye House at the Wessex Stadium last week, scored 10+2, Captain Jason Bunyan made 11+1 and Polish rider Krzysztof Stojanowski collected 11. In contrast the only Weymouth rider to reach double figures was Karl Mason with 10, four of which were won on a tactical ride in heat 11.

The rain started to fall before the tape went up on heat nine. It showed signs of easing off, but, as heat 13 finished, and David Mason received treatment, it fell much harder and left Allen with little alternative but to end the night's racing and award the visitors with a deserved victory.

Wildcats Chairman Phil Bartlett was upbeat despite the rain. "There's just nothing you can do about the rain. The right decision was made, it was too unsafe to continue. David's ok he just went too wide really and copped a handful, but that's racing for you. The lads done their jobs respectively. The Isle of Wight are a strong side, and they brought four top riders with them tonight. It's good practice for our guys playing higher level opposition, particularly as we are looking to try and move up to the next level ourselves." He said.

The Wildcats will be hoping for a drier evening when they return to Conference League action tomorrow (7.30pm) at Oxford. After the away leg tomorrow the Wildcats welcome the Cheetahs to Wessex Stadium on Friday. Bartlett says the two league meetings are very important. "The double-header against Oxford is a great chance to get some big points on the board and help us keep the pressure at the top of the table. I'm confident we'll do well."
 

WILDCATS GO FOR PREMIER SCALP
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 13th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats' number one David Mason is adamant that if his side "clicks" at the Wessex Stadium tonight they are more than capable of making life difficult for Premier League side the Isle of Wight (7.15pm). The Wildcats were beaten 51-39 by the Islanders in the first leg of their Inter-League Challenge Match on Tuesday but they have high hopes that the second meeting will be a lot closer. Mason said: "The whole team is clicking together now. Last Sunday we won at Buxton to get through to the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup, which is a great achievement, and we are still challenging at the top of the league. All the boys are working hard and I think that is showing in our performances. The meeting at the Isle of Wight on Tuesday was only a challenge match but it is always nice to go to other circuits and go up against Premier League riders because it brings you back up to speed. If everything clicks together tonight then I think we will do well but it is going to be tough. They have just won the pairs and the fours in the Premier League, and although I am not totally sure who is coming I know they won't want to lose."

Mason has plenty of Premier League experience behind him and with Birmingham rider Lee Smart and reserve Jay Herne both in fine form, the Wildcats are looking forward to a close battle but there is no doubt that the Islanders are clear favourites. Skipper Jason Bunyan, Krzysztof Stojanowski, ex-Wildcat Chris Johnson and Cory Gathercole are all scheduled to line up for the Premier League outfit and some spectacular races are expected.

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "Their top riders really are top class and there is going to be some quick times. In fact it would not surprise me to see the current track record go. Chris Johnson rode here last year so he should be flying straight from the off but we have got home advantage this time and hopefully we can keep the meeting even closer than it was on Tuesday. The meeting will provide our riders with great experience and it will improve us, and make us sharper."

The Wildcats will also travel to Oxford on Sunday in the Conference League. Mason said: "We have just got to go to Oxford and try and do what we did at Buxton. Everyone likes the track up there and hopefully we can come away with the win because that is the main concern. Our first away win last Sunday was long overdue. I have never seen so many mechanical gremlins as what we have had in recent weeks but we have had to get on with it and hopefully we have turned a corner now."

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 Hurst, 3 Smart, 4 Irwin, 5 K Mason, 6 Herne, 7 Day
Islanders: 1 Bunyan, 2 Karlis, 3 Stojanowski, 4 Johnson, 5 Gathercole, 6 Cooke, 7 Cottham
 

WILDCATS SUNK ON THE ISLAND
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Wednesday 11th July 2007
WEYMOUTTH Wildcats travelled across the Solent last night to the home of the Isle of Wight's Premier League side and put on a very spirited display indeed before going down by 51-39 in this first leg of this inter-league challenge contest. And so they have a dozen points to pull back in Friday evening's second leg at Radipole Lane but for most of this match it looked as if that deficit would be considerably less. At one stage the small, but vociferous band of supporters who had made the trip with them might even have harboured thoughts of a shock Wildcats' victory. The ultra-fast 385 metre island track is over half as big again as the 223 metre long circuit the Wildcats are normally accustomed to riding each week but it certainly held no fears for them as reserves Terry Day and Jay Herne recorded a maximum heat win in the second race of the night.

That levelled the scores at 6-6 after skipper David Mason and Sam Hurst had been on the wrong end of a 5-1 in heat one. And the sides were still locked together at 21 points apiece after seven of the 15 races had been completed with Lee Smart earning deserved applause from the good-sized crowd for a thrilling victory in heat seven over ex-Wildcat Chris Johnson. That win for Smart was the last time though that a Wildcat would take the chequered flag until Lee himself recorded his second win of the match in the final race of the night as the home side, who had rested four of the regular team, gradually established control from the halfway point.

Three consecutive 4-2s in heats eight, nine and ten, with wins for Shane Waldron, Aussie Cory Gathercole and Kiwi Andrew Bargh, put them six points up and, after three shared heats, it suddenly went wrong for the Wildcats. They conceded successive 5-1s in heats 13 and 14 despite nominating Terry Day for a tactical ride in the latter and also bringing in his fellow reserve Jay Herne to replace Nathan Irwin who didn't have the best of meetings. But the Wildcats ended on a high as Smart scorched to an impressive final heat win and Terry Day picking up third place as well.

Wildcats' away boss Jem Dicken said: "We lost 51-39 but did all right until the last three heats when they hit us with a couple of 5-1s. All the boys did well, particularly Lee Smart who was awesome yet again. His experience at Premier League level certainly showed and he was as fast as their top boys. The track over here is one of the biggest around so it was quite a culture shock for our boys going from the Wessex to here but they kept it to within six points nearly all the way through and can take a lot of confidence from the meeting. It certainly showed we have nothing to fear in the second leg at our place on Friday."

Wildcats' chairman Phil Bartlett said: "The Isle of Wight management all congratulated us on our efforts and now, perhaps, we can show what we can really do in our home leg."
 

ISLAND TEST FOR BUOYANT WILDCATS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Tuesday 10th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats skipper Karl Mason has admitted his side faces a "tough" task tonight at Premier League outfit the Isle of Wight Islanders. The Inter-League Challenge Match will be contested over two legs with the second being held at the Wessex Stadium on Friday. The Radipole Lane outfit will travel to the Smallbrook Stadium today in buoyant mood having beaten the Rye House Raiders and the Buxton Hitmen in their last two meetings but they will also be well aware of the challenge ahead.

Karl Mason, who recently took over the captaincy from David Mason, said: "Things are looking good at the moment. We are now performing well as a team, everyone is getting on well and we are full of confidence. Our aim now is to continue to push towards the Conference League play-offs and hopefully reach the final of the Knockout Cup." The former Newport rider has been particularly impressed with the team spirit of his side during their recent meetings. He added: "Everyone is scoring points and helping each other and its that, as well as Jay Herne coming in, that has pushed us on. As for me and the captaincy, I have not really had to do anything. All the riders are supporting one another and at the moment it could be said that we have seven captains in the team."

Sunday's victory over the Buxton Hitmen was the Wildcats' first on the road this season and it has put them into the last four of the Knockout Cup. Karl Mason said: "We should have won at Boston the week before but we lost focus and suffered some mechanical problems. But on Sunday it was all over by the end of the 11th heat and although we went off the boil towards the end I think that will give us a lot of confidence going into tonight and Friday. It is going to be very tough because Isle of Wight are a Premier League side with very good riders but we are going to give it our best shot. It will be used as a learning experience by most of the team but the three heat leaders will no doubt be looking to try and claim a few victories. Lee Smart and David have both ridden at a higher level and I have had some experience as well so both legs should be interesting. We will certainly be approaching them both with an aim to win which is something we have been doing all season. And I think that is one of the major reasons why we have been doing so well of late. We are particularly looking forward to the home leg. Everyone has such belief in each other at the moment that we feel we can beat anyone."

Premier Pairs Champions Jason Bunyan and Chris Holder are expected to feature for the Islanders along with Krystof Stojanowski.
 

WIN A WILDCATS AWAY-DAY
By Weymouth Wildcats ~ Monday 9th July 2007
How would YOU like to experience a day in the life of a speedway rider? Well, with a bit of luck now you can! Weymouth Speedway are delighted to give you the chance to travel with one of the Wildcats team to an away fixture and experience a meeting from the other side of the pit gate. The competition will be in the form of a raffle and the lucky owner of the winning ticket will be able to travel to and from the meeting with the rider of their choice. All entrants must be 16 or over and be able to make their own way to the riders home or, alternatively be available to be picked up en-route to the meeting dependent on your location.

The winner will also be invited to write about their experience and have their story published in the programme as part of the “Away Days” feature. Tickets will be available at the track shop during the meetings and will cost £5.00, of which ALL the proceeds will be divided equally between each rider in the Wildcats Team.

Wildcats Press Officer and Photographer Julie Martin said “I have been lucky enough to travel with several riders to away meetings and although it’s hard work it can also be a lot of fun. Riders and their mechanics, who usually consist of family members, have to be really dedicated as the time, effort and money that goes into just getting to a meeting is considerable. Sponsorship is hard to come by and unless the rider has an outstanding meeting, particularly in the Conference League they usually end up out of pocket. All the money collected from the sale of the tickets will be split equally between all the Doonan Wildcats team members.”

Tickets will be on sale at next weeks meeting with the Isle of Wight and will continue to be available throughout July.

The club reserves the right to suggest an alternative trip should operational difficulties intervene. Further information can be found by contacting Wildcats Press Officer Julie Martin on 07791 998656.
 

CATS CRUSH THE HITMEN
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 9th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett believes coming out on top in Friday night's last-heat decider against Rye House could prove to be a turning point in his team's season. The Radipole Lane outfit followed up that thrilling Conference League victory over the Raiders with their first win on the road this season at Buxton to move them into the last four of the Knockout Cup. The Wildcats recorded a 50-43 success over the Hitmen yesterday with David Mason (8), Sam Hurst (9+4) and Lee Smart (11+1) leading the way. That landed them a 101-88 aggregate victory.

Bartlett said: "I am absolutely delighted that we are now in the last four and the fact that it was also our first away win of the season just makes it even better. I don't think Buxton expected us to beat them on their own track but the lads knew what they had to do and they produced the goods. If we are a strong team that is competing towards the top of the league, going up to places like Buxton and making sure we get through is something that is expected. I think our win against Rye House gave everyone a huge lift and hopefully now we can be a bit more consistent. I did not go to Buxton but apparently Lee Smart was awesome, setting the fastest time at that track this season in heat three (55.1). David Mason and Sam Hurst also rode well again and there is no doubt that as a team we are improving. The meeting was all over by the end of heat 12 and in the last three heats we perhaps took our foot off the gas but it was still a very good performance."

The Wildcats will travel to Premier League side Isle of Wight Islanders tomorrow for the first leg of an official Inter-League challenge match and Bartlett is looking forward to the encounter. He said: "It's going to be an interesting week especially when they come to our place for the second leg on Friday. They have some great riders but we are full of confidence and we will certainly be giving both meetings a good go. Jason Bunyan and Krystof Stojanowski are both coming down on Friday so that should be a cracking evening. It is going to be tough but hopefully we will get a big crowd and I am sure there will be some great races."
 

CATS GO TOP IN LATE THRILLER
By Ky CapelDorset Echo ~ Saturday 7th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats left it late with a thrilling final heat victory to win the meet by just a single point and go top of the Conference League in the process. The Wildcats looked to have the match sewn up alter heat seven, leading by 12, but Rye House fought back with good use of their tactical ride to go into the lead by the 12th heat. David Mason got the Radipole Lane outfit off to a flying start against his former side. Mason, starting in gate three, raced into the lead off the first bend and went on to secure a 5-1 heat with skipper Karl Mason finishing second. Raiders’ Daniel Halsey was causing Weymouth problems all night with his quick starts, racking up plenty of points for the visitors to keep them on track.

By the eighth heat the Wildcats were 27-15 ahead and looking comfortable with just one heat lost. But then came Rye House’s tactical ride. Halsey donned the black and white helmet and beat Weymouth’s Jay Herne to the first bend to go on to pick up six points for the Raiders. David Mason wasn’t too happy with the referee’s decision to exclude him from the race after he fell at the first corner, and things soon got worse for the hosts. Two maximum defeats in a row (heats 10 and 11) turned the meeting on its head and put the visitors in the lead for the first time. Karlis Ezergailis won two on the trot to take the overall score to 35-34 in Rye House’s favour.

The Wildcats went into the interval trailing by one after drawing the 12th heat 3-3. However, the rut continued for the home side — both Bowen and Mear got the better of their Wildcat counterparts, David Mason and Nathan Irwin, around the first lap to extend their lead to five points (43-38). Weymouth needed at least a 4-2 in heat 14 to take the meet to a decider. Luckily Australian rider Herne stepped up to the mantle. Herne won the heat followed by Sam Hurst in second to secure a maximum win that took them within one point of their opponents. Herne appeared to be having problems with his bike for the middle part of the night but in his first race after the break he showed his quality from the start to keep the Wildcats in contention. It was down to the 15th and final heat.

Herne was joined by captain Karl Mason for the final showdown against the Raiders’ pairing of Karlis and Luke Bowen. It was an extremely tight heat that could have gone either way but thanks to some skilful driving from Herne, and an engine problem to Bowen’s bike, the Wildcats secured a nail-biting overall win of 47-46 to the delight of the Wessex Stadium faithful.

Chairman Phil Bartlett was delighted, but also relieved, with the last-heat drama. “It’s brilliant, the boys did what they had to do. But we had the meeting in the bag early on and then we switched off,” he said. “At the interval I made sure I fired them up and told them exactly what we had to do. It was a thrilling end, though.” Bartlett also made note of Jay Herne’s final heat ride, saying: “It was an awesome bit of riding by Jay, especially on the last turn when he knew exactly where their guy was. He rode it beautifully to bring home the win.”

The Wildcats’ next meet is against Buxton tomorrow in their Knockout Cup second round tie which they lead 51-45 from the first leg. For now though, Weymouth sit top of the league, which Bartlett is very pleased about. “It’s great to be top of the league, but by Sunday we might not be so we’ll enjoy it while it lasts,” he said.
 

MASON AIMS TO BRING THE HOUSE DOWN
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Friday 6th July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats star David Mason is aiming to put on a good show against his former club the Rye House Raiders tonight (7.15pm). The Radipole Lane outfit's number one rode for the Hertfordshire side between 1999 and 2003, and in that spell was crowned Conference League Riders' Champion in 2001. The 30-year-old was also the most successful Bronze Helmet holder when he was at the Raiders. He was in possession of the accolade 29 times with 24 undefeated defences. Mason, who went on to captain Rye's Premier League side the Rockets, said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rye House. Len Silver is undoubtedly one of the best promoters in the business and the whole set up at Hoddesdon is one of the most professional around.

"I left Rye House after gaining a six-point average which ruled me out of the Rockets line up and I then moved to Weymouth. Unfortunately, I always seem to have a bad meeting against the Raiders particularly at home. I have been suffering with mechanical gremlins this year like I have never known before but it seemed like I turned a corner at the Boston Barracudas last Sunday and hopefully things should now start to get back on track."

The Barracudas defeated the Wildcats 47-42, ending a fine run of form from the Radipole Lane outfit that saw them claim five wins on the spin. Mechanical problems was the reason for the defeat and Mason is hoping his side's luck will change over the weekend when they also travel to the Buxton Hitmen for the second leg of their second round Knockout Cup clash on Sunday. The Wildcats won the first leg 51-45.

Mason said: "It is very difficult when you are suffering bike problems to get any track time to test out your equipment between meetings. We have also been unfortunate not to have had many away meetings as several have been rained-off but it's just one of those things. The team spirit is fantastic in the pits and all the lads get on well. Karl Mason is doing a great job as captain and I just hope we can start to have some good luck as I think we are due some."

The Wildcats will use the rider replacement facility in tonight's Conference League encounter to fill the void left by Lee Smart. The 19-year-old will be riding for Premier League side Birmingham at the Somerset Rebels. Gates will open at the Wessex Stadium at 6pm.

Wildcats: 1 D Mason, 2 R/R, 3 K Mason, 4 Hurst, 5 Irwin, 6 Herne, 7 Day.
Raiders: 1 Luke Bowen, 2 R/R, 3 Karlis, 4 Cottham, 5 Mear, 6 Strudwick, 7 Halsey.
 

WILDCATS v RAIDERS MEETING PREVIEW
By Weymouth Wildcats Ltd ~ Wednesday 4th July 2007
After the bitter disappointment of Sundays defeat at the hands of the Boston Barracudas, the Wildcats face up to the stiff task of a battle with the Rye House Raiders this Friday the 6th of July. One rider who will be hoping to put on a good show is Weymouth number 1 – David Mason. David rode for Rye House from 1999 to 2003 and during his time at the Hoddesdon based circuit was crowned Conference League Riders Champion (in 2001). He was also the most successful Bronze Helmet holder and was in possession of the helmet 29 times with 24 undefeated defences of this crown.

David, who also captained Rye’s Premier League side, the Rockets said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rye House. Len Silver is undoubtedly one of the best promoters in the business and the whole set up at Hoddesdon is one of the most professional around. I left Rye House after gaining a six point average which ruled me out of the Rockets line up and I then moved to Weymouth. Unfortunately, I always seem to have a bad meeting against the Raiders particularly at home! I have been suffering with mechanical gremlins this year like I have never known before, but, I seemed to have turned a corner at Boston and hopefully things should now start to get back on track.”

David also added “It’s very difficult when you are suffering bike problems to get any track time to test out your equipment between meetings. We have also been unfortunate not to have had many away meetings as several have been rained-off, but its just one of those things. The team spirit is fantastic in the pits and all the lads get on well. Karl is doing a great job as Captain and I just hope we can start to have some good luck as I think we are due some!”

Team Line ups:
Weymouth Wildcats: 1 David Mason, 2 r/r (Lee Smart), 3 Karl Mason (C), 4 Sam Hurst, 5 Nathan Irwin, 6 Jay Herne, 7 Terry Day, Manager Phil Bartlett
Rye House Raiders: 1 Luke Bowen, 2 r/r (Ben Powell), 3 Karlis Ezergailis, 4 Gary Cottham, 5 Robert Mear, 6 Lee Strudwick, 7 Daniel Halsey, Manager John Sampford
 

CATS BITTEN BY BARRACUDAS
By Adam Summers, Dorset Echo ~ Monday 2nd July 2007
WEYMOUTH Doonan Wildcats away team manager Jem Dicken admitted to feeling "absolutely gutted" after yesterday's 47-42 Conference League defeat at the Boston Barracudas. The visitors suffered a nightmare meeting where mechanical problems forced their five-match winning-streak to come to an end.

Dicken said: "I am absolutely gutted. Jay Herne's clutch fell out and Lee Smart broke down twice with mechanical problems. Nathan Irwin also fell off when in the lead and basically we just had so much bad luck it was unbelievable. We are a far better team than them and that is why we were all so disappointed at the end. Jay had to ride Karl Mason's bike and someone else's is never the same as your own. As for Lee, I am not sure what his problems were. We would have won by 20 points without a doubt had we not had such bad luck. We are better than anyone else in this league bar from Scunthorpe in my opinion and once things start coming together away we are going to really surprise someone. We would have gone top of the league had we won. We did get the bonus point but we did not go all the way up there just for that."

Having beaten the Barracudas 59-34 at the Wessex Stadium on Friday the Wildcats were clear favourites at the start of the meeting but after a decent opening which saw David Mason win the first heat and Herne and Terry Day record a 5-1 in heat two things became more complicated. Boston won the next five heats with Herne suffering an engine failure on the first bend in heat six and Smart experiencing likewise in heat seven when Irwin also hit the dust. The Barracudas led 25-16 going into the next race but the Wildcats hit back with Sam Hurst and Day recording a maximum.

David Mason and Hurst then secured another 5-1 in heat 11 to put the visitors 33-32 ahead but by the final race the hosts held a three-point lead. Boston gated superbly and although Smart took Simon Lambert he was unable to track down heat winner James Brundle. David Mason finished fourth. To make matters worse for the Wildcats, Brundle then took the Bronze Helmet off Smart who tried everything to get past his opponent in a fantastic race.