New Wildcats chairman Phil Bartlett admits he'll have his work cut out to get the Wessex Stadium up and ready for the start of the 2006 speedway season. But despite the amount of graft needed at the Radipole lane venue, the resort-based businessman says the club will be ready to roar come the end of March.

If Speedway get the green light from the planners to run at Weymouth this season, fans favourite Tom Brown is hoping not to be involved. Not that the Welsh Wizard has anything against the club, far from it. Last season's Wildcats Team Rider of the Year says he's ready for a move up the speedway ladder and is hoping to land a Premier League spot for 2006.

By Paul Baker - Dorset Echo

Phil Bartlett is the new owner of Weymouth speedway. Bartlett yesterday assumed control of the Conference League club after completing a deal with former promoter Brian White for the British Speedway Promoters’ Association operating licence. White, who reformed the Wildcats in 2003, was evicted by landlords Weymouth Football Club following disputes over planning and finances before Christmas.

Weymouth fans may not have seen the last of Dan Giffard despite his move into the Premier League. The Great Britain under 21 international who helped the Wildcats to the Conference Fours and Knockout Cup double last season has signed for newcomers, Redcar Bears.

Phil Bartlett is set to become the new owner of Weymouth speedway. The resort based businessman, who co-promoted the club last season, says he is 'on the verge' of a deal to buy-out former Wildcats boss Brian White, who was evicted from the Wessex Stadium just before Christmas.

Bartlett originally had a £10,000 bid for White's British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) operating license turned down earlier this month, but an increased offer has now been accepted. "Brian and I are on the verge of completing a deal," explained Bartlett, " and I'm very pleased.

Poole Pirates co-promoter Matt Ford claims he will run Conference League speedway at Wimbourne Road this season, unless Weymouth find a new owner today.

The Wildcats were evicted from their Wessex stadium track in December following disputes over finances and planning with the landlords Weymouth Football Club. But if Wildcats co-chairman Brian White finds a buyer for his BSPA license, bikes could roar again at Radipole Lane under new management. Two prospective promotions have stated an interest in buying the club with brothers Mick and Colin Horton - who run Mildenhall and Peterborough respectively - rumoured to be in the running. However, Ford claims Wildcats must decide today whether they will participate in this years Conference League, otherwise their application to run will be rejected.

Chickerell town councillors have given their backing to Weymouth Speedway.
Despite previously refusing to support the application Chickerell Town Council will now recommend that West Dorset District Council approve the application.
But assistant town clerk Vanessa Ricketts said the town council would like to see several conditions imposed.

SPEEDWAY racing in Weymouth is set for a dramatic reprieve. Former Wildcats promoter Brian White, who was evicted from the Wessex Stadium in November, has today agreed to sell his exclusive British Speedway Promoters Association (BSPA) rights to run the sport in the town. White, who is now hoping to build a new track in Yeovil, revealed he has reached an agreement with two potential unnamed buyers, one of whom is believed to be a successful Elite League promoter. And subject to planning permission and approval from landlords Weymouth Football Club, a deal should be completed this week.

DAVID Mason has urged Weymouth Football Club chiefs and Wildcats promoter Brian White to settle their differences and save speedway in the town. The Wildcats skipper says the sport can not afford to lose another team following the recent collapse of sides such as Wimbledon, Sittingbourne and Armadale.

BRIAN White has given Weymouth Football Club a fortnight to decide the future of speedway in the town. Terras officials are believed to want to promote the sport themselves, after evicting the Wildcats boss from the Wessex Stadium last month. However, they can’t do so without acquiring the British Speedway Promoters’ Association licence, allowing the holder exclusive rights to operate racing within a 30-mile radius of the resort.

SPEEDWAY promoter Brian White has raised hopes that racing will take place in 2006 after he applied for permanent permission to use the track at Weymouth Football Club. Although the local promoter has been evicted from the Wessex Stadium he has applied to West Dorset District Council for permanent permission to use the venue as a speedway track and retrospective permission for the grandstand and bar. Mr White, who owns the exclusive rights to run speedway within 30-miles of Weymouth, said he was making the application in the hope that the sport could continue next season while he looked to sell his promoters licence.

WEYMOUTH Football Club could be the next promoters of speedway in the resort. Terras representatives have met with the sport’s governing body the British speedway Promoters’ Association (BSPA) and are believed to be interested in taking over the Wildcats’ licence from former operator Brian White.