Cheeky bid for the wonderkid
Wolves promoter Chris Van Straaten has made an audacious inquiry for speedway wonderkid Lewis Bridger.The 16-year-old Eastbourne rider is one of the sport's hottest properties.
He scorches round Monmore, and wrapped up the British Under-18 championship there this season with a 15-point maximum.
"We have asked, if Lewis wasn't in their plans, if we could have first option," said Van Straaten today.
"I'm sure we're in the queue with nine other tracks!
"But sometimes with the points limit you get some strange rider moves.
"He loves the circuit at Wolverhampton. Perhaps it was a little bit tongue in cheek, but we would kick ourselves if all of a sudden he became available and we hadn't asked."
Bridger is likely to remain at Arlington - and so is Wolves asset Nicki Pedersen, who has spent several seasons there on loan.
Eastbourne, with a new owner in Bob Brimson to be confirmed formally shortly, announced agreement with Pedersen last night for the 2007 season.
Whether the Dane's stay is as a further loan or an outright purchase has yet to be finalised, with Van Straaten expecting to talk to the Eastbourne operation within the next few days.
n The Parrys International Wolves have won a major honour at the Speedway Riders Association dinner.
The Monmore circuit was voted best prepared track last night - and curator Alan 'Doc' Bridgett was on hand to accept the award at the gala evening in Coventry.
"It's a tremendous achievement," said Van Straaten. "It's what we have preached all year - entertainment."
Skipper Peter Karlsson made the four-man shortlist for rider of the year but missed out to world champ Jason Crump.
Meanwhile, New Wolves asset Tai Woffinden has signed to ride with Rye House in the Premier League for 2007.
