Max Clegg first in for Cradley Heathens’ racing return

Clegg, 21, has been unveiled as the first name on the Heathens team-sheet after they announced they will be back in regular league racing last week.

The Yorkshire young gun has a decorated history with the club, having graduated from a raw reserve in 2013 to their star man just a few years later.

He moved on from the after the 2016 campaign, when he won the British Under 19 Championship and the top-flight title with Wolverhampton.

But after a nightmare 2018 which saw him dropped by Championship side Edinburgh and his Premiership club Rye House fold, he believes Cradley is the perfect place to resurrect his career.

“It’s fantastic to be back,” Clegg said. “It was really disappointing for the sport that Cradley weren’t running in the league last year, because I know how much the club means to the supporters and people in the area.

“Like everyone, I’m just happy they’re back on track regularly and I’m pleased to have signed with them again. It’s ideal.

“I developed as a rider at Cradley. Starting at reserve and making my way up gradually like I did was a real accomplishment and something I’m proud of.

“We won a lot of trophies along the way, particularly in the early days which was great, and the last season I had there in 2016 was the best of my career.

“I’m excited to pick up where I left off when I was last riding for Cradley when next season starts, and hopefully it can be a successful return for the club with some trophies at the end of it.

“Last year wasn’t the best for me, but there’s no better place for me to be than back at Cradley because I’ve done well there in the past.

“If I start the season like I know I can then I’d like to think I’ll get another chance (in the higher leagues), but at the moment I’m just focusing on doing as well as I can for Cradley.”