Coventry Bees are close to re-signing American crowd pleasers
Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill for another season of speedway.
The Brandon side have been negotiating throughout the close season to keep the stars at
the Bees and now seem to have agreed the deals.
Although Greg Hancock is currently in his native USA, leading speedway journalist Wayne
Roberts, who is also chairman of the Nuneaton Speedway Supporters Club, believes the rider
will stay at the Bees for a fourth term.
He said:
"Greg has not signed his new contract yet because he is away for the close season,
but he has agreed all the terms and the Bees are very confident that he will re-join.
"This would be the fourth year that he has been here, after he signed from the now
disbanded Cradley Heath.
"He has certainly been one of the most consistent performers for the team in that
time and it is crucial that they do get him back here."
Although speculation was mounting that Hancock’s American colleague Hamill, who
also signed from Cradley, would not add his signature to his compatriot's, Roberts
believes it has been media speculation.
He said:
"At the moment this is silly season for speedway with riders asking for huge
amounts of money and the teams holding out.
"Both Americans are happy at the club, have been very successful and I am sure
will be here for the new season."
They could be joined by World Under 21 champion Lee Richardson, who looks likely to
join the side from Poole and is one of the hottest prospects in the country.
He would take the place of Swede Andreas Jonsson who will definitely not be returning
to Brandon after deciding to have a year out.
Coventry’s Danish Skipper Brian Anderson may not be given a new deal, he has
struggled with injury problems and is still carrying two fractured cheek bones.
Roberts believes that the comings and goings will strengthen the squad and put them
into a strong position for the coming season.
He said:
"Coventry Bees are well respected around the country and have very good support.
"At Brandon the crowds average between 2,500 and 3,000 which is as many as
Coventry Rugby Club.
"Sometimes speedway does not get the publicity that it deserves but hopefully this
season with Sky TV coverage back in the sport that will change."
