Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject: From Speedway Star
EASTBOURNE No. 1 Lewis Bridger admits he is “100 per cent” leaving Arlington in 2010, with “Peterborough, Swindon and Poole” his preferred destinations.
The 19-year-old was on the brink of exiting the club this time last year, along with fellow Sussex star Edward Kennett. But after being made an offer he could not refuse by promoter Bob Dugard, Bridger stayed to fight for his boyhood team.
However, having ridden just four meetings in Poland this year, the Czestochowa racer is keen to be riding on a bigger track in his homeland in order to progress his career.
Bridger said: “Obviously, Eastbourne have treated me brilliantly this season. Bob Dugard has been absolutely brilliant towards helping me with everything.
“I don’t think I could have done what I have done this season without his help. But I 100 per cent need a change for next season.
“I need to be somewhere different – a bigger track. I think the change would do me the world of good.
“I would like to be at one of three – Peterborough, Swindon or Poole. Realistically, I want to go for the bigger tracks, the racing tracks and just have a change.”
Bridger always receives a very fiery reception from the Pirates supporters and knows he is not everyone’s cup of tea at Wimborne Road.
The rider was offered a deal by the Dorset club last term but turned it down in favour of Eastbourne.
So the British Under-21 Champion would be interested to see the kind of reception he would receive from the locals.
He said: “I’d go there for the experience of the change of track, but I’m not sure I’m liked by the fans.
“Having said that, I’d much rather them be booing me and making a big fuss when they announce my name than doing nothing.”
Bridger is determined to use his switch to kick-start his bid to become one of Britain’s Grand Prix stars of tomorrow.
Having had a nightmare year in Poland, which saw him ride just four of the 15 meetings he says he was promised by Czestochowa, Bridger knows his wild card chances are slim.
He admits fellow Team GB international Tai Woffinden deserves his chance after a brilliant campaign in Sweden and Poland.
The Eastbourne man also feels Lee Richardson should get another shot at the World Championship, despite rumours linking his old friend Edward Kennett with a wild card.
Bridger said: “I wouldn’t want to be in the GPs next year – that’s for sure. I haven’t got the budget to do it and do not feel as if I’m ready.
“Realistically, I’m not in the position to do it and I don’t think Edward Kennett is either, but I think Tai Woffinden deserves his shot.
“He has done great in Poland and Sweden and had a good end to the season in Britain. He has so much equipment, support and back-up, so he has nothing to lose.
“He needs to go in there and give it a go and if he can do what (Emil) Sayfutdinov has done, then fair play to him.
“I think Lee Richardson deserves another shot at it really. Eddie has never performed consistently in Poland and Sweden.
“I know he has had some good meetings at the end of the year in Poland in the First Division. But he’s not against the top, top guys and I just know he hasn’t performed in Poland and Sweden before.
“I don’t think Edward knows half as much as Tai Woffinden does and he’s four years younger than him.
“But you never know. It could go the other way. Edward could go into it, have a storming year and make his career.
“I suppose if they give Edward a go now, he has one shot at this age. If he does get the chance, he has got to have a good year to make it.” _________________ click here for the latest front page news
It would be a good idea to let Lewis go out to another club, perhaps for a couple of seasons. Keep him as an Eastbourne asset, therefore loan money coming in. At times he look a good rider, then at other times he looked like a novice. Perhaps a manager who will stand no nonsense would be good for him, then perhaps he would knuckle down to his job, and in time become ann excellent rider. _________________ Supporting the Eagles through the good times as well as the bad
Last edited by Aussie2 on Fri Nov 06, 2009 3:36 pm; edited 1 time in total
hmmmm a little different to what he said at the end of the season and what is in todays Argus
would be very disappointed if he is not in our team (if we have one) next year. _________________ Check out my Pic's site. Click on WWW below...
I would really like to have seen a new promoter from outside the club.
Hopefully a big name No.1.
Bridger & the club would benefit from a break with one another.
please join peterboro with peter oaks .mind you if nicki did come back that make it intresting . no problems who most of us would be cheering for . men and boys lesson .
I for one won't be disspointed to see him go. Maybe our club won't be just about what Lewis Bridger is doing on and off the track. _________________ The mighty Eastbourne Eagles
totally agree with kopster as many do . if the bspa get it right and we do stay with the ammended and reduced fixture list , then hopefully nicky will return and we will have not just a far better and dedicated rider , we would have a man and not an unreliable boy .nicky was similar to bridger once , but was, and always will be , more professional.
.nicky was similar to bridger once , but was, and always will be , more professional.
Ray, Nicky P and Bridger do not really go in the same sentence, it is like comparing a 'premier cru' champagne to a sparkling Asti Spumante; similar fizz and bubbles, but one has class and quality, one has not
kevin , i did say " similar" , not just same number of arms and legs , both in their youth wild and impetuous , but nicky only that way on the track . but even then nicky had good manners and is many things good that bridger never will be. danes are generally pleasant people to meet , but there are exception to everything , even anderson has manners --- off the track . maybe their grandfathers were not nutters ?
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