CONNOR Bailey says he’s ready to pick up where he left off as he returns to Glasgow Tigers colours for the first time in 20 months tomorrow.
The 18-year-old is back at Ashfield as the club’s ‘Rising Star’ in place of Jack Smith.
Bailey impressed in his debut campaign in 2019 – and hopes he can continue his development when he takes to the track against Plymouth in the SGB Championship tomorrow.
He said: “I’m very excited for my return to the Tigers. I’m looking forward to getting back out in front of the crowd and hopefully doing them proud.
“It’s been so difficult not just sitting out the Tigers’ season so far, but British speedway as a whole. For something I was so invested in and prepared for after my debut season to be cut off as a result of Covid, I didn’t really know what to do with myself.
“I’ve spent my whole off season in the gym, maintaining my physical fitness and working towards coming back to the UK once travel restrictions allowed for it. Now that I’m back, I’m eager to get it underway and pick up where I left off.”
The Tigers sit top of the table on 20 points and take on a Plymouth side who have collected four points from their opening four fixtures.
The meeting is again live on Tigers TV – click this link to buy your streaming pass.
Meanwhile, the Tigers head to Eastbourne on Sunday – for the first time since an infamous clash between the clubs during the last full campaign.
Riders and officials were involved in a pre-match rammy on the track, but the clubs have since patched things up – and are keen to focus on what is at stake now.
Tigers director Peter Facenna said: “I know there will likely be a lot of chat about the Tigers returning to Arlington given what happened there in 2019, but the reality is that our relationship with the management at Eastbourne is excellent.
“There is a lot of mutual respect between the clubs and we’ve supported each other on and off the track over the last 18 months.
“It was unfortunate what happened in 2019, but it’s firmly behind us. Like the Tigers, the Eagles have some very passionate fans, which is great for the sport, and I hope some Tigers fans are able to make the long trip down on Sunday.”