BRITISH SPEEDWAY DECEMBER 11, 2024

(SPEEDWAY 1)

RORY IS NOT RETURNING 

RORY Schlein has announced he will not be racing next season – having previously agreed to return to Berwick.
The former British Champion has recovered from the neck and shoulder injuries which ended his 2024 campaign, and he was all set to lead the Bandits in the Cab Direct Championship.
However, work commitments have forced a change of plan for Schlein, sending the Shielfield Park side in a different direction with completing their team.

Schlein said: “My work commitments drastically changed after I had agreed terms with (owner) Jamie Courtney meaning that, much to my disappointment, I won’t be racing next season.
“It wasn’t an ideal situation for the club or the fans but even after breaking the difficult news to Jamie and (manager) Stewart Dickson they have been supportive and understanding.
“I wish Berwick all the best as they push for that long-awaited trophy.”

(SPEEDWAY 2)

BERWICK have completed a shock move for former Grand Prix winner Peter Kildemand, who will race at Cab Direct Championship level for the first time since 2011.
The Dane, whose return to British Speedway in the top-flight with Oxford was announced last week, has now agreed a deal with the Bandits which will be 14 years after he rode for Workington.

British Under-21 Champion Sam Hagon is also on his way to Shielfield Park having ridden for champions Poole this year, whilst Dayle Wood steps up to complete the team after impressing for Edinburgh in the NDL.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “Rory’s (Schlein) news left us in a difficult position but, despite it throwing a spanner in the works, we’ve worked diligently to get the best seven guys on the track.
“Jamie Courtney worked very hard to get the Peter Kildemand deal over the line, and I think we have a mixture of experience and exciting potential which will give Bandits fans a team to get behind in 2025.”

(SPEEDWAY 3)

DARRYL Ritchings is to come out of retirement next season after agreeing a deal to join Oxford Chargers in the NDL.
30-year-old Ritchings, who started out with Dudley/Cradley in 2010, previously won the third tier title with Birmingham in 2016 but quit the sport during the following campaign.

The Chargers have also moved to bring Arran Butcher back to the club after he rode for them in 2022, and he joins from Leicester where he was a title winner this year.
Their NDL team is completed by Max Broadhurst, son of fellow racer Wayne, who made a guest appearance for Oxford last June and will now be handed his full-time debut at this level.

(SPEEDWAY 4)

LEICESTER have announced a return for Max James to their NDL team and the 17-year-old will also take over as captain.
James is a former mascot at Beaumont Park and he made his first appearances for the Lion Cubs in their title-winning season of 2022 before playing a full part in another victorious campaign this year when Joe Thompson was skipper.

He said: “It’s amazing, having grown up from being mascot all the way to becoming captain of the team is really cool.
“I’m sure the fans will enjoy that, from them seeing me at a young age. I don’t look quite as young now, but I’m sure it’s a really good thing for them to see the progression, and I think it’s nice to see my own progression and to come all this way to be captain.
“I’ve now got to fill Joe’s shoes, and I’ll be trying to mentor the younger riders just like the Thompson twins did.”