FEBRUARY NEWS 2008

DEVILS SIGN UP MASON FOR 2008
By The Plymouth Herald ~ 26th February 2008
Plymouth Devils have strengthened their squad for the 2008 Conference League season with the signing of former Elite League rider David Mason. Mason, who has ridden for Sittingbourne, London Lions, Arena Essex, Rye House and - for the last two seasons Weymouth - will act as cover for the city outfit. Devils chairman Mike Bowden said he was delighted to have captured the signature of the 2001 Conference League Riders' Champion, who will be a grade nine for the new campaign, which starts in April.

"David is a superb rider, very experienced, and he will add to the depth of quality in our squad," said Bowden. "He can fill in for any of our top three riders and it is good to have him on board. He knows our track very well, having ridden it for the past two seasons with Weymouth. But he also has experience of riding at the other Conference League tracks as well, so he will be a welcome addition for us. We are delighted that he has decided to sign for us and when called upon, I am sure he will do a superb job for us."

While Mason has joined the Devils, former Plymouth rider Tim Webster has signed for their Conference League rivals Weymouth Wildcats. Webster was a key member of Bowden's squad last year, riding at both reserve and number two. However, the 18-year-old announced last month that he wanted to leave the city outfit because he wanted to ride on a bigger track, which he feels he is better suited to and will help him develop as a rider.

"Weymouth is one of my favourite tracks and I have been very impressed with the professional approach taken by the Wildcats management," said Webster. "I am confident that I will be a valuable member of the team and will be aiming at a six-point average this season."

Joining Webster in the Wildcats squad is another former Plymouth rider, Matt Bates. Bates, 18, had several outings for Plymouth in 2006 and he will be looking to push Webster for one of the two reserve berths.

Devils fans won't have too long to wait before they see Webster and possibly Bates back in action at the St Boniface Arena. Weymouth are to compete with Plymouth in the two-legged Devon/Dorset Trophy clash in April. The Devils host the Wildcats on Friday, April 18 before making the trip to the Wessex Stadium the following day.
 

DEVILS ON THE BRINK OF BAGGING EX-ELITE RIDER
By The Plymouth Herald ~ 25th February 2008
Plymouth Devils chairman Mike Bowden is close to adding to his squad with the signing of a former Elite League rider. Bowden has already finalised his starting line-up of seven riders for the new campaign, which starts in April. But with only the inexperienced Danny Stoneman to call upon should any of his side be unable to ride, Bowden has made moves to add some experience to his squad. The Devils chairman has not revealed the name of his new rider for fear of another club snapping him up. However, Bowden said he will be delighted should his intended target sign on the dotted line.

"We have what I believe is a strong starting line-up of seven riders, " said Bowden. "But the problem would be if any one of our three heat leaders - Seemond Stephens, Tom Brown and Nicki Glanz - could not ride for some reason. Then we may find ourselves struggling a little as we would be a weaker side. So I have decided to try and bring in an experienced and talented rider to offer us some cover should any of our top three not be available."

Bowden added: "The rider in question is very talented and one with a wealth of experience who would strengthen our squad no end. We are in negotiations with him and we are hopeful he will sign for us. If he does sign, I will be delighted to welcome him on board."

Last season, the Devils were fortunate they were without both influential captain Stephens and Glanz on just one occasion apiece. However, in their absence, Plymouth lost both of their matches. Minus Stephens, the Devils were beaten 65-28 by Scunthorpe in the Conference Trophy. Without Glanz, the city outfit lost 49-43 at Boston in the Conference League. However, with the addition of his new target, Bowden is confident his side will be in a far better position to cope with the loss of a heat leader.

"It may not even happen in the season, but if we were without either Seemond, Tom or Nicki, our new signing would prove a more than an able deputy," said Bowden. "Last season, we had nobody of the same quality who could step into the side. But our new signing is a fantastic rider and one who would bring so much experience to our side."
 

JANUARY NEWS 2008

MASE TO QUIT?
By Dorset Echo ~ Saturday 26th January 2008
WEYMOUTH Wildcats' star David Mason admits he is considering taking a break from racing to become young gun Lewis Bridger's chief mechanic this season. Eastbourne boss Martin Hagon has turned to the 31-year-old for help, in a bid to help one of British speedway's brightest shooting stars reach the next level. The former Wildcat benefited from Mason's advice at the Wessex Stadium in 2005 and impressed enough to earn an Elite League team spot after just a year of Conference racing. But Mason and Bridger's reunion is not a done deal, as the former Weymouth captain is still pondering a return to the Wessex Stadium. And he is reluctant to rush into making one of the most important choices of his speedway career.

Mason said: "I don't know as yet whether I'll be working with Lewis. Obviously, I want to make sure I do the right thing and I haven't made a concrete decision. Part of me wants to be back at Weymouth but to be honest; it all comes down to cost and whether I can afford to do it this year. According to Phil, he wants me back. But on another hand, a year out could do me good. So it's a case of waiting and seeing at the moment."

Mason endured one of the toughest years of his racing life last term and struggled chronically with injuries and mechanical problems. This came at a hefty financial cost, so taking a season out to help Bridger could give the Weymouth stalwart a much-needed rest. And Mason is certain he is the man to improve the fortunes of a teenager, who is tipped to be British speedway's next big thing.

He added: "Martin Hagon has spoken to me and wants me to look after Lewis because he thinks he's lost at the moment. It's not as if Lewis is just offering me the job of full time mechanic - this role comes with big wages, big everything and it's proper stuff. They've turned down a lot of big names to help him and have asked me to do it. I understand Lewis - I know he has a temper and a few things that aren't good about him. But I hope I can put those things right because I've been there, done it and got the t-shirt at Weymouth. It's not like it's a done deal, though, and we've only spoken about it so far."

Should Mason wish to continue racing and fail to regain his Weymouth spot, he claims a Premier League place could be the answer. His former boss at Rye House, Len Silver, recently had his second tier average reduced from just less than 6.00 to 4.00. This could make Mason an attractive prospect at reserve and he is ready to race, should the right offer come along. He said: "At this time, I'm doing the bikes, so it's not as if I'm notpreparing to ride. I'm ready to race in the Premier League and having that choice is good for me. But I know Phil Bartlett wants me back at Weymouth and it all comes down to money and whether he can fit me in."