STOCKPORT kid James Wright, the hottest British teenager in speedway, has signed for Belle Vue as their No 8 rider for next season.
Wright, 18, was voted Rider of the Year when he scored 15 maximums in 32 appearances for Buxton with a remarkable average of 10.08.
He also moved up into Premier League racing with Belle Vue's sister track, Workington, where he will continue his education next season under the guidance of his grandfather, Jim Yacoby, the former Aces' rider.
But now the precocious Wright also has the chance of limited Elite League experience next season as his signing as the team's official No 8 means he can come into the side when required.
Aces boss Ian Thomas said: "I think James is the best teenager in Britain and I'm pleased to have signed him because he's a local lad who had his early rides in speedway here and at Buxton.
"He rode for me at Workington last season where he made sensational progress for such a young rider and collected some big scalps, including Carl Stonehewer in the Cumbrian Open.
"He also rode for Buxton in the Conference where he won the Riders' championship and topped the league averages.
"I'm delighted that he has agreed to sign for Belle Vue because there were plenty of Elite League clubs after him."
Thomas hopes that the signing of Wright will appease those fans who are unhappy about 38-year-old former British champion Andy Smith returning to Belle Vue.
He added: "Some supporters wanted me to follow a youth route. I appreciate that but feel that there was no-one better than Andy available at his average.
"I hope that by signing James, Kenneth Bjerre and Simon Stead I have shown that we do have a youth policy."
Will Wright blossom with the Aces? Have your say.
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good luck james -hope you get some rides for the aces-know you'll go far!-good luck at worky too,will be a big loss at buxton!:(
hope to see you up there next season tho!:)
h xxxxxx
No8 for next season is just right (no pun intended) for James at this stage of his career. Too many promising young riders promoted into the main body of top league teams a year or two too early in their career have struggled, lost confidence and never gone on to fulfil their potential. Once again Ian T is doing it right, snapping up James now with an eye to the future but with the prospect of giving him the odd outing at home in 2005. At Kirky Lane James will be more than a match for most visiting reserves.