FEBRUARY NEWS 2010

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR WILDCATS
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 25th February 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats’ chairman Phil Bartlett insists all members of his squad have put pen to paper on rider contracts. Speculation had been mounting that not a single Wildcat had signed on the dotted line ahead of the 2010 season. But Bartlett revealed that a delay in the release of contract forms, for all National League clubs, meant no one was able to sign a new deal with the Radipole Lane outfit prior to last weekend.

He said: “The division itself did not have any contracts to give out as a clause was being changed. The paperwork was only released a couple of weeks ago so prior to that no one had any contracts to give out – teams were only able to agree terms with riders. After receiving copies of contracts, we gave them to all our riders and all of them have now signed. We were just waiting for the contracts to be released.”

The Wildcats’ squad for the upcoming campaign consists of Byron Bekker, Gary Cottham, Terry Day, James Cockle, Tom Brown, Nick Lee, Richard Andrews and Luke Wiltshire. Bartlett’s men get the new season underway on Good Friday – April 2 – when they entertain Team Vikings in a Challenge meeting. Weymouth then hosts a round of the British Under-21 Championship on Saturday, April 10.
 

TERRY PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR TWO FAT SUBMARINERS
By Barry Bishop ~ www.twofatsubmariners.com ~ Friday 19th February 2010
Weymouth Wildcat, Terry Day has joined a growing number of speedway riders getting involved with the Two Fat Submariners charity year by sporting their Logo and Website address on his speedway clothing for the 2010 speedway season. Terry, 24, commented “I have seen the growing support for the Two Fat Submariners within the speedway world and I am particularly proud to be supporting the Help for Heroes charity for the year as well as NSPCC and Make A Wish Foundation. They will have a hard year ahead for three very worthy causes.”

Barry Bishop, one of the Two Fat Submariners, said, “I am overwhelmed with the support we now have from the motor sport community and in particular speedway. The offer of any motorsport rider or driver to allow us to put our logo on their racing advertising space is an huge gesture. When Terry contacted me and asked to get involved with The Two Fat Submariners, his enthusiasm and keenness to help was a credit to him. He understands what we want to achieve and his support I know will go a long way to help increase our total at the end of the year.

After the generosity of speedway, supercross and Formula Renault Racing teams, I would love for a speedway team to join our campaign for the season by allowing the Two Fat Submariners logo or web address to be part of their programme or race suits.”

The Two Fat Submariners are giving a year to charity by cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats (Help for Heroes), competing in the Wroclaw Marathon (NSPCC) and Swimming the Channel (Make a wish foundation). You can find out more at www.twofatsubmariners.com for sponsorship, pledges and general information. Get involved, it is appreciated and you will make a difference.
 

ANDREWS IS FINAL PIECE IN CATS' PUZZLE
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 18th February 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats have completed their line-up for the 2010 campaign with Richard Andrews providing the final piece of the puzzle. The 17-year-old has yet to sign on the dotted line but his arrival from National League rivals Newport appears a mere formality. And the Exeter-based teenager will join the Wildcats as a reserve rider.

Team manager Jem Dicken is pleased to have Andrews on board. He said: “It’s good to be able to say we’ve got a team for next year, we’ve been talking to Richard for a long time and he’s a good lad. He is quick and just needs a prolonged run in a team, which he will get here at Weymouth. He’s been at Plymouth and Newport but they’ve not really given him a chance to find his feet. He’s a young lad but knows what he is doing and we’re confident in what he can do.”

Weymouth’s squad now consists of Byron Bekker, Gary Cottham, Terry Day, James Cockle, Tom Brown, Nick Lee and Andrews, with Luke Wiltshire joining at number eight.

Dicken believes his charges will challenge for honours this year. He added: “It’s a balanced side and that’s what we’ve been after. I’ve had a look at a lot of the other teams in the division but they appear to be very top-heavy. People have said we don’t have an out-and-out number one in our side but I believe Byron and Tom are both National League number one riders.”

The draw for the first round of the Knockout Cup was made yesterday with the Wildcats set to take on the Isle of Wight. Should they defeat the Islanders, the Radipole Lane outfit will face either Plymouth or Newport in round two.
 

ANDREWS COMPLETES WILDCATS
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Thursday 18th February 2010
Weymouth Weyline 777 777 Wildcats are pleased to announce the seventh and final signing for the forthcoming 2010 National League season is Richard Andrews. Eighteen year old Andrews who hails from the Exeter area won his place in the side after proving himself in the winter training schools at the Wessex Stadium. The British youngster rode last season in the National League for both the Plymouth Devils and the Newport Hornets.

Wildcats Team Manager Jem Dicken, who has been keeping a watchful eye on proceedings at the training schools, commented “Richard stood out a mile during the winter and I am optimistic that he will develop into one of the top youngsters in the league this year, and along with fellow training school attendee Nick Lee will become a formidable pairing at reserve for the Wildcats.”
 
On the fixture front the Wildcats have been drawn against the Isle of Wight in the first round of the National League Knock Out Cup, the dates of both the home and away leg are yet to be announced. The victors will face either Plymouth or Newport in the next round. The full National League fixture list is expected to be announced shortly.
 

WILDCATS IN TRIPLE SWOOP
By Ky Capel, Dorset Echo ~ Thursday 4th February 2010
WEYMOUTH Weyline Wildcats have added three new riders to their ranks. Ex-Rye House and Mildenhall rider Gary Cottham joins the main body of the team, former Swindon Sprocket Nick Lee will occupy one of two reserve spots while young gun Luke Wiltshire is the Cats’ new number eight. The Radipole Lane outfit have just one slot left to fill and chairman Phil Bartlett, who denied speculation that Australian Leigh Boujos has joined the Wildcats, hopes to complete his line-up in the near future.

Of his latest acquisitions, Bartlett said: “Nick hasn’t ridden for a few years because he was forced to retire due to financial reasons and family commitments. He’s keen to come back and he’s even been to our training schools. At 27 he’s not necessarily a youngster in the sport but I’m sure he’ll be one to watch. Gary is a talented and hungry rider and hopefully we’ll be able to get the best out of him. Luke’s dad Geoff used to ride and is currently a mechanic for Terry Day. Luke is a promising youngster and is another good asset for the club.”

Meanwhile, Dudley Heathens have been accepted into the National League following an AGM at British Speedway’s headquarters in Rugby. Heathens, who will split their home meetings between Wolves and Birmingham, join Bournemouth, Buxton, Isle of Wight, King’s Lynn, Mildenhall, Newport, Plymouth, Rye House, Scunthorpe and Weymouth in this year’s competition. Bartlett has welcomed Dudley’s inclusion, adding: “It should be a good year with so many teams involved.”

The National Trophy will be retained with Weymouth, Mildenhall, Isle of Wight, Newport and holders Plymouth all set to compete. Buxton are yet to confirm their involvement. The National League Riders’ Championship will once again be held at Rye House, the Fours will be staged at Mildenhall, holders Newport will host this year’s Pairs event while the Bronze Helmet takes place at Poole.
 

TWO MORE CATS SIGNED UP
By Weymouth Speedway ~ Thursday 4th February 2010
The Weymouth Weyline 777 777 Wildcats are very pleased to announce the next two signings for their quest for honours in this years National Development League. Taking the number two race jacket will be Eastbourne based Garry Cottham who comes to Weymouth on a free transfer from Rye House. 21 year old Garry sat out most of last season after breaking his arm early on and subsequently losing his place in Mildenhall’s team. He did enough though to gain himself a 5.59 average. Garry shone when representing the Isle of Wight in 2007 at the Wessex Stadium joint top scoring for his side whilst taking the scalps of both Lee Smart and Jay Herne. Cottham follows in his fathers footsteps as Garry senior used to ride for Canterbury Crusaders in the seventies.

Taking one of the reserve berths will be 27 year old Nick Lee from Swindon. Nick started his speedway career in 2000 and rode for the Swindon Sprockets for four seasons before taking a break from the sport to concentrate on his plastering business. Family man Nick has been a regular at the winter training schools along with his wife Charlotte and children Bobbie and Jessica showing enough potential for team manager Jem Dicken and Chairman Phil Bartlett to offer him a place in the Wildcats side. Dicken says he reminds him of former Wildcat Sam Hurst, with his all action bustling style and is sure he will be a fans favourite.

Since 2006 Nick has been acting as mechanic for friend and mentor Richie Hawkins of the Somerset Rebels and would like to thank him and Tom Browns dad Terry for their help and support.

Chairman Phil Bartlett is pleased with both acquisitions and is confident that they will compliment the top four nicely. Both will be in action at this weeks training session on Saturday (6th Feb) between 12 and 4 where they would be happy to meet any potential sponsors.
 

NATIONAL LEAGUE AGM STATEMENT
By BSPA ~ Monday 1st February 2010
ALL 10 National League teams from last season will come to the tapes again this year - and the third tier of British racing has welcomed a new club. Dudley Heathens were accepted with open arms at a meeting of all club bosses at British Speedway's HQ in Rugby when the competition format and league structure for the 2010 season was agreed.

Heathens, carrying the name of the famous old Cradley Heath club, will split their home meetings between Wolves and Birmingham and are expected to take plenty of travelling support up and down the country. They join Bournemouth, Buxton, Isle of Wight, King's Lynn, Mildenhall, Newport, Plymouth, Rye House, Scunthorpe and Weymouth.

The league itself will feature one home and one away - a total of 20 meetings per club - and the top four will go into the play-offs with the top team having choice of opponents from the other three. League fixtures must be completed by September 12.

The National Trophy has been retained and certain starters are Mildenhall, Isle of Wight, Plymouth, Weymouth and Newport. Buxton are considering entering the mini-league and will make a decision soon.

Major event venues have been decided but dates are to be confirmed. The National League Riders' Championship will be at Rye House in October, the Fours will be at Mildenhall, holders Newport will host the Pairs and the Bronze Helmet will be at Poole.