Colvin to lead Wildcats.

With the Weymouth Wildcats successful application to join the 2004 Conference League being accepted by the BSPA yesterday, Club Chairman Brian White has wasted no time in making his first signing. A chance meeting with Shane Colvin's mechanic Rob resulted in the former Reading rider agreeing to join the South Coast club for the coming campaign and spells the start of the team building for the Wildcats. Shane is the first rider to go on the team sheet in addition to former rider Mike Vernam who now takes over the role of team manager at all home meetings.

Shane had originally retired from the sport to concentrate on his own business, but the offer to ride for a Friday night track was just the temptation required for Shane to agree terms. "Friday nights suit me very well, it means I can take less time away from my business, being self employed means I only earn a living when I work. If there are any potential sponsors in the area who would like to help please contact Weymouth Speedway."

When asked about his thoughts for 2004 Shane was adamant that he wants to lead from the front from the off, be top of the Conference League averages and also carry off the Conference League Championship with the Wildcats at the end of the summer.

Previously Shane has ridden for Mildenhall, Reading, Oxford, Camarthen, Workington and Newport. 2004 sees Shane who lives in Cwmfelinfach, South Wales come to the Wildcats on loan for the season from parent club Reading. As well as his commitments with the Wildcats Shane will also be riding Grasstrack in the UK and Speedway in the Dutch Championship, which mainly takes place in Germany apart from two meetings which are held in Holland during the summer.

Shane will, weather permitting, be in action for his first taste of the Wessex Stadium Raceway this Friday evening during the weekly training school.

Reflecting on the application to run a full season of Conference League, Trophy and KO Cup matches at the Wessex Stadium Mr White is delighted for the supporters in and around the Weymouth area who now have a full season of fixtures to look forward too following on from last seasons six challenge matches. "Team building is the priority now with numerous phone calls to make to bring together a competitive team, now we have Shane on board I aim to make our second signing this week with an announcement being made on Sunday. I have the basis of the team on paper it's just a question of finalising a few details. The goal this season is to reward the fantastic Wildcats supporters with some silverware by the end of October."

Mr White added "We have some great meetings to look forward too, a home and away fixture against Stoke in the KO Cup and with the addition for those supporters wishing to travel there is a new Bronze Helmet competition comprising of the top rider from each Conference League team plus two nominated riders to complete the field. This will be the last official Conference League fixture of the year during October and takes place at Peterborough. Before that we have the British Under 21 Qualifier and Final at Mildenhall and Rye House respectively, Rye House also stage the Conference League Riders Championship, Wimbledon the Best Pairs and Stoke have the Four Team Tournament."