White "happy with team selection".

Since his childhood Wildcats Chairman Brian White has lived and breathed Speedway. After a brief riding career he then swapped roles to train as a referee and now he has brought the Wildcats back to life, Brian can't wait for the first meeting in this years Conference League to take place at the Wessex Stadium on Friday 19th March. Brian is hoping for a top three position in the league, although he added that this year is a building year for the club and his main aim had been achieved with bringing the Wildcats back on track.

Weymouth football club are in the process of development plans which include the Wildcats. A new stadium just a few hundred yards away is in the pipeline within the next few years. After the up's and down's with the signing of riders throughout the last couple of months Brian commented "I am happy with the final team selection, we used a few of the riders during our six meetings at the end of last season who have now formed the basis of the team. Many thanks must go to Malcolm Doble of MD Racing in Yeovil who has kindly kitted all the boys out in their racing gear including UFO race suits, helmets, gloves and goggles."

Last seasons skipper Justin Elkins returns to lead the Wildcats and before a wheel is turned in anger admitted that he is nervous, which he has never been before during his career "I have a lot to prove this season hopefully I can go out and do it, I have spent a lot on my kit making up three bikes, I have picked up a couple of new sponsors and with the team Brian has put together I'm sure we can do well" Justin continued "I built my bikes towards the end of last year whilst I was out of work with plenty of time on my hands, I haven't practiced much this winter apart from trying each of the bikes out, I'm quite happy to help any of the boys out if they need it during the year."

The Wildcats have a resident comedian this season in the form of Paul Candy who will ride at number two in the team. Paul has only a years experience in the sport but several years experience riding Moto x but has bags of potential as a late starter in the shale sport. He has high aims and ambition and all winter has been confident that all the silverware on offer will return to the Wildcats trophy cabinet by the end of the season. "I have a good set up this year after testing the water last season, two complete Jawa's with two back up GM engines for the bigger tracks, changing over from Moto x to speedway was very hard transition but you just need to leave your brains in the tool box and get on and ride the tracks. I would like to progress and be offered a few guest rides in the Premier League this season, which is one of the main aims."

Last season he was riding for Boston as their number one, Mark Thompson joined the Wildcats to take over the number three race jacket. After riding for the last seven years Mark who lives near Arena Essex and faces a three hour trip for home meetings this season is happy to come to Weymouth to learn to ride a small track to gain the extra experience. "I'm looking forward to getting out on track as I've only ridden it once before so it's all new to me."

Riding at number four, a Reading asset who lives in Poole, another very talented rider with bags of potential is Danny Warwick. "I've had a good winter, recovered from last seasons injury, been on holiday, taken in some practice sessions trying out my new machinery, and I aim to be unbeatable around Weymouth as well as getting some Premier League guest bookings."

After two years away from the sport Exeter asset Chris Courage was coaxed into having a try out only a few weeks ago at Weymouth, and that speedway bug bit again! "I don't know why I ever quit in the first place, I have a lot of work to do to be ready for the first meeting, I aim to score consistent points for the team and am really looking forward to riding again."

Nathan Irwin rides at number six after impressing Brian White enough last season to warrant a return. Nathan is an accomplished Grass Track racer who, as the rest of his team mates, can't wait to race in earnest for the Wildcats and show the supporters what he is capable of.

The final piece of the Wildcats team jigsaw comes on loan from the Swindon Sprockets, Jack Gledhill rode last year in the Festival of Speed Meeting at Sittingbourne for the Wildcats putting in some very impressive rides. With Swindon being the opponents for the curtain raiser on Friday 19th March Jack is relishing the prospect of racing for Weymouth. "I want to improve a lot this year and show Swindon what they are missing and Weymouth what I am capable of."

New team manager Mike Vernam can't wait now he has seen his new charges all together for the first time. With this his first step into team management he is confident of good things ahead for the club. As with the riders Mike confirmed that everyone was getting on well with a good team spirit developing.